President Lee: "Illegal Religious Organizations Should Be Dissolved"

[Financial News] On the 9th, President Lee Jae-myung indicated that there is a need to review the possibility of dissolving religious organizations involved in political interference or illegal funding, signaling a follow-up review.
During the 53rd State Council meeting held at the Office of the President of the Republic of Korea, President Lee confirmed the results of a prior review by the Ministry of Government Legislation (MOLEG) regarding the dissolution of religious organizations. He stated, "Whether it is an incorporated foundation or an individual, if a person commits a crime or engages in anti-social acts, there are sanctions. Naturally, if an incorporated association or incorporated foundation, as a legal entity, commits acts that violate the Constitution or laws and are subject to public criticism, it should be dissolved."
The head of MOLEG reported, "Rather than a constitutional issue, it is currently a matter of interpreting and applying Article 38 of the Civil Act. If a religious organization persistently engages in serious illegal activities in an organized manner, dissolution is possible. Therefore, it is necessary to first verify whether the actual situation meets these criteria."
President Lee then asked, "In the case of incorporated associations and incorporated foundations under the Civil Act, there are grounds for dissolution, and while the court ultimately decides, which authority holds the power to dissolve?" The MOLEG head replied, "The authority to dissolve lies with the relevant ministry."
President Lee further inquired, "If the relevant ministry issues a dissolution order, does the dissolution take effect?" The MOLEG head explained, "Yes, it does." Regarding the disposition of assets after dissolution, the MOLEG head added, "It is handled as stipulated in the articles of incorporation, and if not specified, the assets revert to the state."
Upon hearing the explanation that the extent of the violation is the key issue, President Lee reconfirmed that the competent authority is responsible for making the dissolution decision and asked, "Which is the competent authority?" The MOLEG head responded, "For religious organizations, it is currently the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST)."
President Lee concluded, "Understood. Please provide further detailed supplementation at a later time."
west@fnnews.com Seong Seok-woo Reporter