Joint Investigation Team Summons Geunwoohoe Chair Over Alleged 'Illegal Shincheonji Donations'

A joint investigation team of prosecutors and police, which is probing allegations of collusion between religion and politics, has summoned Lee Hee-ja, chair of the women's organization Korea Geunwoohoe, on charges of providing illegal political funds.
The joint investigation team called in Lee for her first questioning as a suspect on charges of violating the Political Funds Act on July 16.
Lee is accused of donating 10 million won each to former People Power Party lawmakers Kweon Seong-dong and Park Sung-jung, who were classified as pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Suk Yeol) figures at the time, between 2022 and 2024 using funds raised from Shincheonji.
Current political fund laws strictly prohibit political donations from corporations and organizations.
It is reported that during the investigation, Lee denied all charges, claiming that she "donated with personal funds."
Lee is considered a key figure who acted as a bridge between influential politicians, including former President Yoon Suk Yeol, legal professionals, and Lee Man-hee, the leader of Shincheonji.
The joint investigation team raided the headquarters of Korea Geunwoohoe and Lee's residence in March to secure records of political fund donations and contributions.
On July 1, the team had previously summoned Lee as a witness regarding allegations of mass enrollment of Shincheonji followers into the People Power Party.
The joint investigation team is expected to examine whether the politicians who received donations from Lee were aware of the source of the funds in advance.
(Photo: Provided by reader, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.