MBC's investigative program 'PD Note' focused on the Unification Church in its October 21 broadcast.
In September, Han Hak Ja, the leader of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (commonly known as the Unification Church), who referred to herself as the "only daughter," was arrested on charges of delivering political funds and bribery worth hundreds of millions of KRW. Questions remain about the origin and purpose of the large sums of money allegedly funneled into politics. 'PD Note' obtained exclusive USB documents detailing the flow of funds within the Unification Church, seeking to uncover where the donations, given by followers to fulfill what they believed to be "heaven's will," actually went.
The Mystery of Cheonwon Palace, Symbol of a "Heaven on Earth"
In the middle of Jangrak Mountain in Seorak-myeon, Gapyeon County, a massive white palace stands as a striking landmark. Constructed under Han Hak Ja's direction in the name of building a "heaven on earth," the palace, known as Cheonwon Palace, is said by insiders to be extravagantly decorated, with chandeliers costing tens of millions of KRW. Dubbed the "sanctuary of the heavenly parents," the palace conceals many secrets. Using exclusive documents, 'PD Note' investigates the massive funds behind the lavish palace and traces how the church's money was actually used.
The Hidden Suffering of the Unification Church's Second Generation
As 'PD Note' began its investigation, testimonies from second-generation members of the Unification Church began to emerge. Though their upbringing varied, their accounts of pain and hardships were strikingly similar.
Central to the church's teachings is the doctrine of the "True Family," which emphasizes creating an ideal family under God's love. However, the reality faced by the second-generation members revealed stark contrasts to this ideal. Under the guise of the "True Family," families experienced conflict, poverty, and other hardships. 'PD Note' recorded the raw testimonies of these young members, shedding light on the hidden struggles behind the church's teachings.
The program examined the self-proclaimed godhood of the church leader, the financial empire sustaining the "Heaven on Earth," and the enduring religious pressures spanning generations.
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