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The sentencing for the illegal real estate transaction case involving the World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG) and a temple in Gamil District, Gyeonggi Province, is scheduled for December 19. Prosecutors have sought a prison sentence for a senior WMSCOG official involved in the illegal transaction. However, it is important to note that the church's financial and operational authority is ultimately concentrated in the hands of Kim Joo-cheol, the church's general assembly chairman.

Potential Additional Charges Against Kim Joo-cheol

If the WMSCOG official is found guilty in this case, it could pave the way for further accusations against Kim Joo-cheol in connection with the Gamil District incident. Should the official be convicted, whether through immediate imprisonment or a suspended sentence, it would likely cause significant upheaval within the church.

Witness Absence Raises Questions

A key witness in the case, a church-appointed manager, reportedly declined to appear in court, citing dementia and health issues. This decision could be seen as a betrayal to the indicted church official, further complicating the internal dynamics.

The situation also recalls a past copyright infringement case involving the WMSCOG. The church had published a book titled "Confirmation" that allegedly plagiarized materials from various media sources without permission. A victimized church member filed a copyright infringement complaint against Kim Joo-cheol. However, Kim avoided legal consequences by claiming he was unaware of the book’s publication, stating that a specific pastor was solely responsible for the matter.

A Growing Crisis for Kim Joo-cheol

While Kim Joo-cheol previously managed to evade accountability, the outcome of this trial could present a much greater challenge for him. Many Christian media outlets are closely monitoring the case, and the church faces the potential for significant repercussions depending on the verdict. The WMSCOG cannot afford to underestimate the gravity of this situation.

A Call for Justice

This upcoming ruling could reveal the truth and lead to further legal action against Kim Joo-cheol. The results of the trial will likely have far-reaching implications for the WMSCOG and its leadership.

https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/005/0001732608?sid=103