Warrant sought for Huh Kyung-young over sexual assault, fraud allegations
Huh Kyung-young, honorary leader of the National Revolutionary Party / Korea Times file
Also accused of embezzling 38 billion won in political funds for personal use
Police have filed for an arrest warrant for Huh Kyung-young, 77, honorary leader of the National Revolutionary Party, on multiple charges including sexual assault, fraud and political fund violations.
According to the Gyeonggi Bukbu Provincial Police Agency’s anti-corruption investigation unit on Monday, police requested a warrant on Thursday for the cult leader and politician who has run in presidential elections multiple times.
Huh is accused of sexually harassing followers under the guise of spiritual healing sessions at “Sky Palace,” a religious facility located in Jangheung-myeon, Yangju, Gyeonggi Province.
Police allege that during these sessions, he asked female followers to sit on his lap or hug him. He also faces allegations of selling so-called spiritual food products at highly inflated prices and embezzling 38 billion won ($28 million) in facility funds for personal use, with some of the money reportedly funneled into party dues for the National Revolutionary Party.
The allegations stem from multiple complaints filed by followers. In December 2023, a group of followers accused Huh of fraud, embezzlement and violating political funding laws.
Earlier in February 2023, 22 followers filed a separate complaint alleging sexual misconduct in public spaces. During the investigation, police reclassified the initial charge of indecent acts in a public place as quasi-forcible molestation, citing Huh’s psychological control over his followers.
Police have conducted two raids on Sky Palace, in April and September of last year, and have summoned Huh for questioning more than 10 times. Huh has denied all allegations.
“We have requested an arrest warrant based on the charges that have been substantiated so far,” a police official said, adding that the prosecution is currently reviewing whether to proceed with the warrant. “Other allegations are still under investigation.”
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.