THE KUKMIN DAILY

*On May 15, 1976, Choi Tae-min (far left) joins the reception after the opening ceremony of Busan Late-night Free Medical Clinic


Photos of the late former president Park Chung-hee and president Park Geun-hye visiting a project site of Gugukseongyodan (National Salvation Mission Team) in 1976 have been made public. The National Salvation Mission Team was operated by Choi Tae-min, head of the pseudo religious group Yeongsegyo. It has also been confirmed that former president Park thought very positively of Choi and the Mission Team, which was sponsored by Park’s daughter Geun-hye.

*Rev. Byeon Chang-nam

During an interview with Kukmin Daily, Rev. Byeon Chang-nam (75), director of the Korea Welfare Association for the Aged (KWAFA), said, “Former president Park paid close attention to Choi Tae-min’s projects. For example, he visited the Late-night Free Medical Clinic in North Ahyeon-dong in February 1976 with his daughter, the current president Park… The mission team received support from the president and his daughter Park Geun-hye, and built 16 Late-night Free Medical Clinics in Seoul, Busan, and other places throughout the nation.”

*In February 1976, the late President Park (center) visits Late-night Free Medical Clinic in North Ahyeon-dong, Seoul, with his daughter (right, current president Park) and Choi Tae-min (second from right). Photo courtesy of KWAFA

Rev. Byeon also said in retrospect, “The members of the mission team called themselves ‘crusaders,’ and wore military uniforms with rank insignias. I was the Busan commander and wore three stars.” Recalling Choi Tae-min, he said, “I had absolutely no idea that he was deeply involved with corruption. We pastors participated in the mission team only for our nation and people… he took advantage of us pastors. In that sense, I’m a victim.”

*In 1976, Rev. Byeon Chang-nam (left) in “crusaders” military uniform with three-star insignia, and Park Yeong-su, then Busan mayor. Photo courtesy of KWAFA

*On June 23, 1976, President Park Geun-hye visits Busan Late-night Free Medical Clinic. Next to her is Rev. Byeon, and Mr. Choi Tae-min. Photo courtesy of KWAFA

*On June 3, 1977, President Park Geun-hye (third from right) and Choi Tae-min (second) cut the tape at the opening ceremony of Busan Senior Medical Clinic. Photo courtesy of KWAFA

Byeon also said, “At that time, I believed in the pure purpose of Gugukseongyodan. If the mission team’s characteristics had not changed, something like today’s Choi Sun-shil Gate could never have happened.”

Upon the request of the late President Park and Choi, Byeon opened the Busan Late-night Free Medical Clinic in 1976. According to the government’s new policy on medical benefits, the clinic changed its title the next year to Senior Medical Clinic. Currently, Byeon operates the Senior Welfare Association and a nursing home in Yeongje-gu, Busan.

Reporter Yeong Dae Yoo (ydyoo@kmib.co.kr), with Yeara Ahn-Park (yap@kmib.co.kr)


Original Article in Korean:
“박정희, 구국선교단 매우 긍정적으로 생각했다”: 박정희·박근혜 부녀와 최태민의 구국선교단 활동 사진기록 최초 공개



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Choi Tae-min Was Head of Pseudo Religious Group “Yeongsegye”... Called Himself “Envoy”