President Lee Points Out "Unification Church and Shincheonji Harms" and Says "The Harm Has Been Left Unchecked for Too Long"

President Lee Hosts Luncheon with Religious Leaders on the 12th
Lee: "National unity is my goal, but there are many limitations"

President Lee Jae-myung is speaking at a luncheon meeting with religious leaders held at the Blue House on the 12th. Photo by Yonhap News

On the 12th, President Lee Jaemyung discussed the issues of the Unification Church and Shincheonji with religious leaders at the Blue House, stating, "It is truly a difficult topic, but the harm these groups have caused to our society has been neglected for far too long, resulting in significant damage."

Kang Yujeong, spokesperson for the Blue House, reported in a written briefing that President Lee made these remarks during a luncheon meeting with religious leaders invited to the Blue House.

The religious leaders conveyed to President Lee that the harm caused by pseudo-religious cults such as the Unification Church and Shincheonji is severe, and that actions that go beyond collusion between religion and politics, directly harming the lives of citizens, must be dealt with strictly. They also suggested that the dissolution of religious organizations that harm the nation and its people would have public support, and proposed using the assets of such problematic foundations to compensate victims of pseudo-religions.

The Blue House also reported that the religious leaders highly appreciated President Lee's comments on anti-Chinese sentiment and hate issues. Spokesperson Kang stated, "Hatred against immigrants is becoming a breeding ground for fascism," and added, "Many citizens would agree with the proposal to break away from hatred and division."

As the luncheon concluded, President Lee asked the religious community, as leaders of society, to provide guidance on important issues facing society, such as livelihood concerns and peace on the Korean Peninsula. He particularly emphasized the need for religious leaders to play a guiding role when issues such as diplomacy and security become subjects of political strife. In response, the religious leaders replied, "It is all our responsibility," to which President Lee responded, "It is our shared responsibility."

Lee: "National unity is a constant effort, but there are many limitations"

Jinwoo, the Chief Executive of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and Co-Chairman of the Korean Religious Leaders Council, is speaking at the luncheon meeting for religious leaders invited by President Lee Jae-myung at the Blue House on the 12th. Photo by Yonhap News

Additionally, spokesperson Kang explained that President Lee and the religious leaders had a candid exchange of views on a range of national and social issues, including the outcomes of President Lee's recent visit to China, diplomatic matters, low birth rates, balanced regional development, and improvement of inter-Korean relations.

Earlier, in his opening remarks before the luncheon, President Lee said, "As many people feel, conflict, hatred, and animosity seem to have increased significantly," and continued, "It is said that the most important task for the president is to unite our people. Although I am making efforts, there are many limitations."

He went on to say, "So that our people can live together in harmony and with an inclusive attitude, I ask that you continue to play an even greater role, as you have done so far."

In response, Jinwoo, the Chief Executive of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and Co-Chairman of the Korean Religious Leaders Council, stated, "Just as national security is important, so is the security of the people's hearts," and added, "I hope we will continue to cooperate on the shared task of ensuring peace of mind and emotional security for the people," according to spokesperson Kang.

This event was organized under the theme "The Path to National Unity with Religion" so that President Lee could listen to the wisdom of the religious community on national unity. From the Buddhist community, Jinwoo, Deoksu (Chief Executive of the Cheontae Order), and Sangjin (Chief Executive of the Taego Order) attended. From the Christian community, Kim Jeongseok (President of the Korean Christian Federation), Park Seungnyeol (Secretary General of the National Council of Churches in Korea), and Ko Kyunghwan (President of the Christian Council of Korea) were present. The Catholic Church was represented by Archbishop Jeong Soontaek of the Seoul Archdiocese and Bishop Lee Yonghoon, Chairman of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea. Other attendees included Na Sangho (Chief Administrator of Won Buddhism), Choi Jongsu (Director of Sungkyunkwan for Confucianism), Park Injun (Leader of Cheondoism), and Kim Ryeongha (President of the Korean Association of Indigenous Religions).