With allegations of illicit lobbying spreading across the country’s two major political parties, Lee has ordered a review of whether religious groups accused of systematic election interference and covert funding networks could be forcibly dissolved – a step analysts said carried enormous political risk given the influence wielded by such organisations.
“It is an unprecedented move in this country for the government to seek the disbandment of religious entities accused of illegal activities. Even [former military-backed authoritarian president] Chun Doo-hwan didn’t dare,” political commentator Choi Jin told This Week in Asia.
“Political backlashes are already serious as politicians from both ruling and opposition parties appear to be implicated. The Lee government should tread extremely carefully to avoid further escalations,” he added.
At a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Lee reiterated his demand for a comprehensive review of the legal basis for disbanding religious organisations suspected of political interference, illicit funding of politicians and bribery.
“As individuals are subject to sanctions when they commit crimes or antisocial acts, corporations [including religious groups] should also be dissolved if they engage in condemnable acts that violate the Constitution and the law,” he said.
