PM calls for measures to root out 'evils' of religious cults

▲ Prime Minister Kim Min-seok speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the government complex in Seoul on Jan. 13, 2026. (Yonhap)

PM-Cabinet meeting

PM calls for measures to root out 'evils' of religious cults

By Lee Haye-ah

SEOUL, Jan. 13 (Yonhap) -- Prime Minister Kim Min-seok on Tuesday called for measures to root out the "evils" of religious cults, citing their growing connections to political and criminal groups.

Kim made the remark during a Cabinet meeting as a joint police-prosecution investigation is under way into various allegations of bribery among the Unification Church, the Shincheonji Church of Jesus and politicians.

"Pseudo-religions are social evils that need to be eradicated," he said, alluding to the alleged corrupt ties between the Unification Church and previous President Yoon Suk Yeol's administration and the involvement of cults in overseas crimes.

"If we leave them like this, they will become serious evils on a national scale," he said. "Together with a thorough joint investigation into the Unification Church, Shincheonji and other groups, I would like all ministries to explore ways to eradicate the evils of pseudo-religions in their respective fields."

President Lee Jae Myung has previously called for strict investigations into alleged corruption between religious groups and politicians.

During a meeting with faith leaders Monday, he expressed sympathy with their complaints that religious sects are causing serious harm not only through their ties to politics but also directly to ordinary citizens.

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