A lawmaker said the applications concerned assets worth about US$39 million. The Unification Church says the newspaper Segye Times initiated the proposed purchase to protect its printing operations.
The Foundation for the Support of HSA-UWC, run by the Unification Church, tried to sell land and buildings worth a total of 52.3 billion won (about US$39 million) while the church and affiliates were under investigation over corruption allegations linked to former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Rep. Jin Sun-mee of the ruling Democratic Party disclosed the applications on October 7, citing documents submitted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
The foundation applied in December to sell property in Seoul valued at about 52 billion won. In March it sought permission to dispose of assets worth about 300 million won in Gapyeong. The ministry rejected both applications, saying there was not enough justification to sell high-value core assets without a specific plan for the proceeds while investigations were underway.
The foundation disputed the account that it initiated the sale. It said the property was a building housing the printing presses of Segye Times and that the newspaper had proposed buying it to ensure the stable operation of its printing facilities. The foundation said it planned to use the proceeds for missionary activities.
Jin urged the ministry to clarify its rules and set specific grounds for rejecting asset disposals by organizations under investigation. Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young said the ministry would develop reasonable guidelines without undermining organizational autonomy. Church leaders are standing trial on bribery, election-interference and embezzlement charges; the allegations are not findings of guilt.