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South Korean police have requested an arrest warrant for Huh Kyung-young, a controversial cult leader and perennial presidential candidate, on charges of sexual assault, large-scale fraud, and embezzlement of political funds, The Korea Times reported Tuesday.
Huh, 77, serves as the honorary leader of the fringe National Revolutionary Party and heads a religious sect based at a compound known as “Sky Palace” in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province. The Gyeonggi Bukbu Provincial Police Agency confirmed that its anti-corruption unit submitted the warrant request late last week.
Investigators allege Huh used his status as a spiritual leader to sexually harass female followers during so-called healing rituals. Victims said they were instructed to sit on his lap or hug him during these sessions. Authorities believe these acts were part of a broader pattern of psychological manipulation.
In addition to the sexual misconduct allegations, Huh is accused of selling “spiritual” food products at inflated prices and embezzling 38 billion won ($26.68 million) from his organization’s funds. Part of the money was reportedly funneled into operations of the National Revolutionary Party, raising concerns about violations of South Korea’s strict political funding laws.
Police have raided the Sky Palace twice—once in April and again in September 2024—and have questioned Huh more than 10 times. While he has repeatedly denied all charges, multiple groups of followers have filed formal complaints.
One complaint, submitted in December 2023, accused him of fraud and political funding violations. Earlier that year, in February, 22 followers alleged Huh committed sexual misconduct in public settings. That led authorities to upgrade the charges from indecent behavior to quasi-forcible molestation, citing his psychological influence over followers.
“We have requested an arrest warrant based on the charges that have been substantiated so far,” a police spokesperson said. “Other allegations are still under investigation.”
Prosecutors are currently reviewing whether to approve the warrant. If granted, it could mark a turning point in South Korea’s broader efforts to address abuse and financial crimes within fringe religious movements.
