David Yonggi Cho - Controversies

Controversies

In March, 2011, Cho again became a subject of controversy when he reportedly made comments suggesting that the 2011 Tōhoku tsunami "could be a warning from God to Japan, which has become an increasingly materialistic, secular and idol-worshiping country."

In April, 2011, Cho was accused of nepotism by assigning his relatives to key church positions after his retirement.

In September 2011, Korean prosecutors began an investigation of Cho's alleged embezzlement of 23 billion ($20 million USD) from the Yoido Full Gospel Church's funds, after 29 church elders filed complaints. A national broadcaster, MBC, released a documentary that claimed the money had been used to buy properties in the United States.