Cartier Probe Ties Democrat to Unification Church

Luxury Watch Allegations Surface in South Korean Political-Religious Probe

A joint investigation team in South Korea is delving into serious allegations of collusion between political figures and a religious organisation, with a particular focus on a luxury Cartier watch reportedly valued at 7 million Korean won (approximately $5,300 USD at the time of purchase). The timepiece is alleged to have been received by Democratic Party of Korea Representative Chun Jae-soo from the Unification Church.

Investigators have confirmed that the Cartier watch, purchased by the Unification Church, eventually reached an acquaintance of the former lawmaker. While the investigation is exploring the possibility that the lawmaker received the watch directly from the Unification Church and subsequently entrusted it to this acquaintance, the lawmaker has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He maintains that he “has never received any illegal gifts, including the watch,” leading to reported difficulties for the investigation team in substantiating the claims.

The Cartier “Ballon Bleu” at the Centre of the Controversy

The specific luxury watch under scrutiny is identified as the Cartier “Ballon Bleu” model. Evidence suggests that the Unification Church acquired approximately ten Cartier watches in 2018, intended as gifts for high-ranking members within the religious order. It is believed that one of these watches found its way to the former lawmaker’s circle. Initially purchased for around 7 million Korean won in 2018, the value of this particular Cartier watch has reportedly appreciated significantly, now estimated to be worth around 12 million Korean won (approximately $9,100 USD).

The timeline of events places a meeting between the former lawmaker and Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja at Cheon Jeong Gung in Gapyeong County, Gyeonggi Province, around August 2018. This meeting occurred after the Unification Church’s bulk purchase of the watches. The lawmaker was accompanied by Pastor Park, the head of the Unification Church’s Jeongseon Church. Pastor Park, who is also a member of the Roh Moo-hyun Supporters’ Association, is known to have facilitated introductions between Democratic Party figures, including the former lawmaker who is associated with the pro-Roh faction, and the Unification Church.

Investigators suspect that Yun Young-ho, former chief of the Unification Church’s global headquarters, may have presented the Cartier watch as a gift to the former lawmaker following their meeting with Chairperson Han. There are indications that the Unification Church may have offered the watch in exchange for political favours, such as support for their long-standing project, the construction of an undersea tunnel between Korea and Japan.

Conflicting Accounts and a Stymied Investigation

Despite the initial suspicions, the investigation has encountered significant hurdles due to conflicting testimonies from key individuals involved in the alleged watch exchange.

• Yun Young-ho’s Statement: During questioning, Yun Young-ho stated that he “handed the Cartier watch to Pastor Park, who came with the former lawmaker.” This statement shifts direct responsibility away from himself and towards Pastor Park.

• Pastor Park’s Account: Pastor Park claims that during his visit to Cheon Jeong Gung with the former lawmaker, he received a wrapped gift from Yun, which he later discovered to be the watch. However, he asserts that he did not pass the watch to the former lawmaker. Instead, he claims to have given it to an acquaintance identified as Mr. A.

• Chairperson Han’s Position: Chairperson Han has acknowledged meeting the former lawmaker but stated that she is unaware of whether the watch was delivered to the lawmaker’s side.

Adding to the complexity, Mr. A, the individual who ultimately received the watch, is reportedly acquainted with both the former lawmaker and Pastor Park. This intricate web of connections complicates efforts to establish a clear chain of possession and intent.

Ongoing Efforts to Unravel the Truth

On the 19th of the month, the investigation team summoned the former lawmaker for an intensive 18-hour questioning session concerning the alleged receipt of the Cartier watch. During this interrogation, the lawmaker reportedly asserted that “Mr. A, who supposedly repaired the watch, is someone with close ties to the Unification Church,” further distancing himself from the timepiece.

The investigation team is exploring several potential scenarios:

• The former lawmaker received the Cartier watch from Pastor Park and then gave it to Mr. A.
• Pastor Park, who reportedly holds pro-government leanings, may be providing false testimony to protect the former lawmaker regarding the watch transaction.

To further investigate, the team is actively seeking to understand how Mr. A came into possession of the watch. This includes securing records pertaining to the Unification Church’s purchase of the Cartier watch and any repair requests made by Mr. A. The investigation continues to scrutinize the financial transactions and personal connections involved in an effort to ascertain the truth behind the luxury watch allegations.