Moon, Enichen, and the Unification Church - The Connection Between Conservative Religion and Power

The Political Roots of the Korean Conservative Christian Community and the American Network

The conservative Christian community in Korea has maintained a close relationship with the political sphere for a long period. At the center of this is Pastor Kim Jang-hwan. He has not only been a religious figure but has also served as a connecting link between conservative political forces and the American right-wing evangelical community. Since the era of the Park Chung-hee regime, Pastor Kim has been recognized as a communication channel with the White House, and he expanded his political influence based on his friendship with President Carter. The Far East Broadcasting Company, which he established, has been utilized as a tool for shaping public opinion for the conservative camp, going beyond being a mere religious broadcast. Maintaining a close cooperative relationship with American conservative evangelical organizations, Pastor Kim has solidified his position in the Korean church community to the extent that he is referred to as the "American insider." This has significant implications, as it transcends the realm of religion and plays a crucial role in creating diplomatic support networks for the Korean conservative regime.

The Current Power Structure of the Church: From Kim Jang-hwan to Lee Jae-hoon

The conservative Christian community, led by Pastor Kim Jang-hwan, has a clear hierarchy and generational transition structure. In the past, Pastor Kim Sam-hwan of Myungsung Church followed him, and later figures like Jeon Kwang-hoon and Son Hyun-bo took the lead in public agitation. However, due to controversies over succession and political missteps, they gradually lost influence. Recently, Pastor Lee Jae-hoon of Onnuri Church is emerging as a central figure in the conservative church community. While Jeon Kwang-hoon and Son Hyun-bo played the roles of political agitators, Lee Jae-hoon is rising as a next-generation leader, maintaining organizational stability and theological legitimacy. This reflects a strategic decision based on the understanding that the conservative Christian community can no longer maintain influence solely through extreme means as in the past.

American Conservative Strategy for Penetrating Korea: 'Mostan' and Anichen

The collusion between the South Korean conservative Christian community and the American evangelical forces is becoming more concrete recently. At the core of this is a figure known as Mostan from the Liberty University think tank and a funding source known as Anichen. Mostan is closely associated with the Trump election campaign and contributed to establishing a foundation for Trump's re-election by leading the "Stop the Steal" movement even after his defeat. Anichen acts as a funding source for these American right-wing activities in Korea, reportedly sponsoring millions of dollars for events such as KCPAC and One Korea. In particular, they are focusing on expanding political networks in collaboration with the South Korean conservative church and forming a right-wing alliance network between the U.S. and South Korea. In this process, there are also suspicions that specific industrial interests, such as SMR (Small Modular Reactors), are at play.

Religiousization of Political Lobbying: 'Im Seong-geun Salvation' and Prayer Politics

The recent revelation of the 'Lim Seong-geun lobbying incident' clearly shows that religion has been transformed into a conduit for political lobbying. It was discovered that figures in the religious community, including Pastor Kim Jang-hwan, hosted prayer meetings for Lim Seong-geun, a key figure in Yoon Seok-yeol's circle, and engaged in a rescue campaign through these meetings. The problem lies in the fact that prayer has been used as a political tool rather than an expression of faith. Within the religious community, there are self-deprecating criticisms stating that there are designated targets for prayer, which undermines the integrity and purity of religion. The fact that prayers were offered for individuals associated with Yoon Seok-yeol while there was no reaction towards those from the same military background but opposing factions illustrates the descent of religion into political tribalism.

Power Struggles within the Unification Church and International Fund Transfers

The Unification Church is also caught up in complex conflicts surrounding politics and assets. Following the death of its founder, Sun Myung Moon, there has been a fierce power struggle between a group of three key figures, led by his wife, Hak Ja Han, and his sons. The sons argue for the church's legitimacy based on blood relations, while the mother's side is showing movements to establish a professional management system. In Japan, the Unification Church has faced widespread criticism since the attack on former Prime Minister Abe and has received a dissolution order in the first trial. If it loses in the second trial as well, its assets could be seized immediately, and its activities in Japan could effectively come to a halt. Concerned about this, the Unification Church is already showing signs of moving its assets abroad, with a focus on South Korea and Southeast Asia.

Geunjin Beopsa, Amaterasu, Unification Church… The Shadow of Religion and Power

One of the links between the Unification Church and the Yoon Seok-yeol administration is the 'Geun-jin Beopsa' and the Japanese deity 'Amaterasu' discovered in his temple. Geun-jin Beopsa has gained attention in the past due to his relationship with Kim Geon-hee, and now connections with the Unification Church are being detected. In particular, the discovery of a photo of Amaterasu in Geun-jin Beopsa's temple raises the possibility of a connection with the extreme right-wing forces in Japan, going beyond mere religious rituals. This is intertwined with divisions within the Unification Church, suggesting that someone may be intentionally leaking information. Experts speculate that factions within the Unification Church, or competing power groups, are engaged in an information war.

Religion or Political Tribe: The Broken Boundary

The actions of conservative Christian groups and the Unification Church can no longer be seen as pure religious activities. Their faith practices have become tools for maintaining power and securing political influence, which clearly reflects a form of political patronage. Specifically, the fact that who prays and who receives prayers is determined by political interests denies the essential function of religion. Furthermore, under the guise of unification, the Unification Church is focusing on maintaining its wealth and organization through collusion with overseas politicians and businesspeople. If religion supports a specific power group and is mobilized for political lobbying and asset movement, that society will reach a state where it is difficult to restore the purity and public nature of religion.

The Church Facing the Blade of Investigation: Possibilities and Directions of the Special Prosecutor

The search and seizure of Pastor Kim Jang-hwan and Pastor Lee Young-hoon is not merely a symbolic gesture. It will serve as a litmus test for how deeply the entire conservative religious community is entangled in the power-related lobbying prevalent during the Yoon Seok-yeol administration. The prosecution's investigation began with the lobbying to save Im Seong-geun, but its scope could potentially expand to include the Unification Church, far-right evangelical movements, American right-wing forces, and even the SMR project. In the event that a special investigation is initiated, it may unveil the entire structure of political-religious collusion, beyond just investigating corruption within the religious community. This issue goes beyond legal punishment it will be a crucial opportunity for Korean society to reaffirm the principle of separation of religion and state and to move towards a healthy civil society.

Conclusion: Is the De-Politicization of Religion Possible?

This series of events and circumstances vividly illustrates how much our society has eroded the 'boundary between politics and religion.' Religion should originally be for individual salvation and the ethics of the community, but in reality, it has degenerated into a tool for maintaining power. The depoliticization of religion is an ideal task, but it is not an impossible one. When the religious community upholds the principle of separation of church and state by itself, and when the political sphere stops attempting to lean on religion, we will finally be able to protect both healthy democracy and religious freedom. The current crisis, in fact, offers an opportunity to create a turning point.