Kim Taehoon, Head of Joint Investigation Team on Alleged Religion-Politics Collusion: "Investigation Regardless of Rank or Position"

"We Will Uncover the Truth Wherever the Evidence Leads, Without Hesitation"
Joint Investigation Team of 47 Prosecutors and Police Formed... Probing Unification Church and Shincheonji

Kim Taehoon, head of the joint investigation team of prosecutors and police investigating allegations of "collusion between religion and politics," involving specific religious groups such as the Unification Church and Shincheonji influencing the political sphere, is seen arriving at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the 8th, making a statement. Photo by Yonhap News.

The joint investigation team of prosecutors and police (the “joint investigation team”) tasked with probing allegations of collusion between religion and politics involving the Unification Church and Shincheonji has officially launched. The team plans to conduct a comprehensive investigation into lobbying activities by the Unification Church and Shincheonji targeting political circles.

Kim Taehoon, head of the joint investigation team and Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office, met with reporters on his first day commuting to the team’s office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 8th. He stated, “I feel a heavy sense of responsibility regarding the significant duties entrusted to us,” and added, “Since the joint investigation team is composed of both prosecutors and police, we will cooperate closely and do our utmost to deliver the results the public expects.”

He continued, “Regardless of rank or position, and without hesitation, we will strive to uncover the truth behind the allegations, following wherever the evidence leads.”

The joint investigation team plans to investigate all allegations related to collusion between religion and politics, including the provision of money or valuables by religious organizations such as the Unification Church and Shincheonji to political and government figures, as well as election interference through membership in specific political parties.

The team, headed by Chief Prosecutor Kim, consists of 47 members in total. Im Sambin, Director of Public Investigation Planning at the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office (with the rank of Deputy Chief Prosecutor), and Ham Youngwook, Chief of the Investigation Division at Jeonbuk Provincial Police Agency (Superintendent General), have been appointed as deputy heads. The joint investigation team is based at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office and the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office.

From the prosecution, 25 personnel have been dispatched, including Head Kim, Deputy Head Im, two chief prosecutors (Kim Junghwan, Head of Financial Investigation Division 2 at the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors’ Office, and Lee Hanul, Chief Prosecutor at Miryang Branch), six prosecutors, and fifteen investigators. From the police, 22 personnel have been dispatched, including Deputy Head Ham, two senior superintendents (Im Jihwan, Chief of Yongin West Police Station, and Park Changhwan, Head of Major Crimes Investigation Division at the National Investigation Headquarters), and nineteen investigators at the rank of inspector or below.

Previously, on December 30 last year, President Lee Jaemyung instructed that, in addition to a special prosecutor for the Unification Church case, the establishment of a joint investigation team of prosecutors and police should be considered. President Lee emphasized, “Regardless of political affiliation or rank, everyone must be investigated to uncover the truth and hold those responsible to account, so that such incidents never happen again.” He added, “We cannot wait only for a special prosecutor, so prosecutors and police should either form a joint investigation team or conduct separate investigations.”