(Graphic by Park Ji-young/The Korea Herald)
(Graphic by Park Ji-young/The Korea Herald)

A Catholic church official is under police investigation for embezzlement after the church reported the case to the authorities.

But the report came after his confession to a priest, raising speculation the two could be linked.

Mokpo Police Station said Monday it was investigating the suspect in his 60s, who is believed to have pocketed 480 million won ($344,000) from offering from July 2024 to August, and used it for personal gain. He invested the money in cryptocurrency, but lost it all in a scam.

The money was donated by some 1,000 members of the congregation to fund the construction of a new church building.

He confessed this to a priest in his church, It has not been revealed if the priest who heard the confession directly notified the church.

He reportedly also acknowledged his guilt when spoken to by police.

Officials under the Catholic Archdiocese of Gwangju, overseeing Gwangju and South Jeolla Province, are also conducting an audit of the case.

It is forbidden for a Catholic priest to break the seal of the confession, and such action could potentially be punished under the Article 317 of the Criminal Act. This act on occupational disclosure of another's secrets gives examples of who it applies to, specifically including religious professionals.


minsikyoon@heraldcorp.com