Community Chest of Korea to Return 12 Billion Won in Donations to Shincheonji

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-gi] The Community Chest of Korea is returning the 12 billion KRW donated by Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (hereafter Shincheonji) to overcome the novel coronavirus infection (hereafter COVID-19).

On the 6th, Shincheonji stated, "The Community Chest of Korea requested a return due to concerns about the unfavorable public opinion regarding Shincheonji." Shincheonji added, "We express our regret and apologies to the public and will find a donation destination soon to deliver the funds to those in need." Shincheonji had announced the previous day that it donated 12 billion KRW in cash to help overcome COVID-19.

However, on the same day, Daegu Mayor Kwon Young-jin said, "We reject the 10 billion KRW donation from Shincheonji deposited to the Daegu Community Chest of Korea," and added, "I understand that the 2 billion KRW donation from the Shincheonji headquarters deposited to the central association was also rejected."

Regarding recent reports about refusals to enter residential treatment centers and testing in the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions, Shincheonji explained, "There has been no confirmation," but also said, "We are currently verifying whether such cases exist."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.