It was reported in the media that Yun Seok-yeol, the spouse of presidential candidate Kim Gun-hee, met with Pastor Kim Jang-hwan, chairman of Far East Broadcasting Corporation. I met Pastor Kim, who represents the conservative Protestant church, amidst the recent controversy over shamanism and Shincheonji.
Even Kookmin Ilbo was the first to report on it. The Kookmin Ilbo is a company founded by conservative Protestants centered on Yoido Full Gospel Church. The sons of the late Yoido Full Gospel Church pastor Cho Yong-gi are leading the Kookmin Ilbo.
Normally, conservative Protestant circles would have expressed a critical stance on Kim’s shamanism and the Shincheonji controversy. This is because the issue of heresy is one of the most controversial issues in conservative Protestantism. However, considering this meeting and the process by which the meeting is made public, it seems that the conservative Protestant circles are of one mind. It is analyzed that the hearts of Candidate Yoon and Mr. Kim are cheering.
The Kookmin Ilbo reported at 5 a.m. on the 15th.[단독] Kim Kun-hee “Review of public activities in the fields of culture, art, and religion”… An article titled ‘Preview of Election Support’ was exposed online. The Kookmin Ilbo conducted a brief interview with Kim, who visited Far East Broadcasting Center in Mapo-gu, Seoul on the 14th, and included the relevant information in the article.
The Kookmin Ilbo said, “Kim met Pastor Kim privately at the Far East Broadcasting Station that day. Kim arrived at the Far East Broadcasting Station at 7 am by driving with only one assistant. After that, I had a conversation with Pastor Kim for about 3 hours. It is reported that the two met at the suggestion of Candidate Yoon.”
“Candidate Yoon met with Pastor Kim at the funeral of the late Rev. Cho Yong-gi of Yeouido Full Gospel Church in September last year, and after meeting several more times, it is said that he proposed this to Mr. Kim.” When we first met, we decided to hold a regular prayer meeting.”
“At that time, suspicions about Kim’s false career arose. It is said that Kim received great comfort from Pastor Kim’s prayers and advice.” “Kim studied the Bible with Pastor Kim on the 11th of last month, and it is known that on the 2nd, he met with prominent figures in the Christian world, including Pastor Kim.” told
Pastor Kim is regarded as a representative of conservative denominations in the Protestant world. This is because he has maintained a close relationship with the military dictatorship and conservative governments in the process of creating and operating Far East Broadcasting. Pastor Kim, who majored in theology in the United States, is known to have a close relationship with American politics. He has also been continuously connected with Korean politics.
Representatively, in 2019, Pastor Kim also attended a meal prepared by former president Chun Doo-hwan to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the 12/12 military coup. Prior to this, in 2006, he officially invited Chun to the 50th anniversary event of Far East Broadcasting, causing controversy.
Pastor Kim also has ties with former presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye. In November 2016, Pastor Kim visited the Blue House with Pastor Kim Sam-hwan of Myeongseong Church when Mr. In 2018, he even visited the detention center in eastern Seoul where Mr. Lee is located.
Protestants argue that the meeting between Pastor Kim and the Kim clan is a collusion between a conservative party and a conservative Protestant community. Even in a situation where Kim is embroiled in shamanism and Shincheonji controversies, the conservative Protestant circles are closing their eyes to the conservative party. In addition, it is argued that the focus should be on the media that reported the report, the Kookmin Ilbo.
Timothy Kim, head of the Peace Tree Gongmyeong Election Monitoring Group, said, “As anyone can see the controversy between shamanism and Shincheonji, I purposely met an elder conservative Protestant pastor and exposed it to a specific media such as the Kookmin Ilbo and conservative Protestant media.” have been overthrown However, looking at this meeting, they seem to be blind to the various suspicions of politicians and powerful people that they are aiming for and pursuing.”
Far East Broadcasting Company did not take a special position on the meeting between Pastor Kim and Mr.
An official from Far East Broadcasting said, “(Meeting with Kim Gun-hee) I do not know the details because it is Pastor Kim’s personal schedule.” Regarding Pastor Kim’s continued ties with the conservative party, he said, “I have nothing to comment on.”
