Media Hype Draws Founder into Political Storm

In response to media hype, Family Federation says founder may be called only as a witness in politically charged probe ahead of Korean elections

Logo of the Korea JoongAng Daily.

Starting on 22^nd May, there have been many media reports, mainly in South Korea, similar to one featured in Korea JoongAng Daily 23^rd May headlined “Unification Church leader banned from leaving country”. Several sensationalist articles seem to do their best to link the co-founder of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, previously known as the Unification Church – Dr. Hak Ja Han (82), by many called Holy Mother Han – to what the media call “bribery allegations” involving former First Lady Keon-hee Kim and some of her aides.

Michael Balcomb on attending substantially — *Dr. Michael Balcomb 1st January 2025. Photo: Screenshot from FFWPU video.*

Asked to comment on the background of the case 23^rd May, Family Federation Europe Director Dr. Michael Balcomb says,

“As we all know, the current political situation in Korea is chaotic. Presidential elections are coming up soon, and meanwhile prosecutors seem to be casting a wide net as they try to establish a criminal case against the impeached former President and his wife. Our founder is one of the most prominent citizens of Korea who has dedicated her life for the sake of Korean unification and world peace.”

Demian Dunkley protesting misguided Japanese government. — *Rev. Demian Dunkley, here in May 2023. Photo: Screenshot from FFWPU YouTube video.*

In a statement the same day, Rev. Demian Dunkley, North American Continental Director of the Family Federation, comments,

“True Mother is currently under a temporary travel restriction. Due to her high profile, it is likely that this news will soon begin circulating in Western media as well. […] This development is linked to an ongoing investigation in Korea involving former public officials, including former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.”

Rev. Dunkley explains that one of the persons under investigation is someone referred to in the South Korean media as “former global executive Yoon” – with the same surname as the former president of the country but not related. According to media reports, Yoon on several occasions allegedly gave the former First Lady gifts – Korean ginseng products, a Chanel handbag, and a necklace with diamonds – in total worth about $ 43,000.

Dunkley points out that the Yoon in question previously served in a leadership role in the Family Federation. The American leader emphasizes,

“Although this situation does not involve any wrongdoing by True Mother, there is a possibility she may be called as a witness – not as someone accused, but as part of the investigation into Dr. Yoon’s activities. This is why the travel restriction has been imposed. In Korea, it’s not unusual for authorities to restrict travel even for people who may simply be called as witnesses.
This is all taking place amid a season of political turbulence in Korea, with ongoing investigations and a national election on the horizon.”

The Korea JoongAng Daily refers 23^rd May to a statement from the Family Federation in South Korea. News and Insights has obtained a copy of the statement, translated by generative AI.

The South Korean daily writes,

“The church has denied any organizational involvement, distancing itself from Yoon’s actions. In a recent statement, the Unification Church said the allegations pertain to ‘the private motivations and actions of one of the many individuals who have been affiliated with the organization,’ and that they ‘bear no connection to the global mission’ of the church.” [See editor’s note below]

[Editor’s note: Although the Korean JoongAng Daily writes “Unification Church”, the name of the movement has since a long time been “Family Federation for World Peace and Unification”.]

Text: Knut Holdhus

Featured image above: Holy Mother Han, here 6th September 2024 in Gapyeong, South Korea. Photo: FFWPU

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