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Unification Church Leader Calls for Global Protests Amidst Corruption Probe

Dunkley dismisses probe as 'religious persecution'. Thousands of members expected to gather in Gyeongju during APEC summit.

In this picture there is a church in the center of the image.
In this picture there is a church in the center of the image.

Unification Church Leader Calls for Global Protests Amidst Corruption Probe

The Unification Church's US branch leader, Demian Dunkley, has called for global members to protest in North Korea during the upcoming APEC summit. This comes amidst ongoing investigations into the church's leader, Han Hak-ja, also known as the 'Mother' or 'True Mother', who was recently detained on corruption charges.

Dunkley dismissed the investigations as 'religious persecution', echoing Han's denials of the allegations. He suggested gathering members from Korea, the US, and Japan in Gyeongju to protest the probe. The church, founded by Moon Sun-myung in 1954, has faced criticisms for its doctrine and influence.

Han was accused of colluding with former official Yoon Young-ho to deliver 100 million won ($71,307) to politician Kwon Seong-dong for political favors. She is also charged with misusing church funds to gift luxury items to Yoon's wife. Despite these allegations, Dunkley maintains that he doesn't know what motive Yoon would have to blame Han.

Dunkley's call for protest comes as the Unification Church faces scrutiny over its leader's alleged involvement in corruption. The church, with a presence in over 100 countries, has a significant global following. The upcoming APEC summit in North Korea is expected to draw international attention to the ongoing investigations.

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