EXPLAINER Unification Church lobbying probe roils Korean politics

People Power Party floor leader Song Eon-seog speaks during a press conference at the National Assembly in Seoul, Friday, calling for a thorough investigation into allegations of illicit payments involving the Unification Church. Yonhap

An expanding, politically fraught investigation into alleged illicit ties between the Unification Church and Korean politicians has become one of the farthest-reaching influence-peddling scandals in recent years.

The widening probe, led by a special prosecution team headed by Min Joong-ki, has drawn in figures from across the political spectrum — including lawmakers from both the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) — and has unexpectedly extended into President Lee Jae Myung’s inner circle. The scandal threatens to disrupt an already delicate political balance, placing mounting pressure on both major parties to demonstrate transparency and distance themselves from the controversial religious organization.

At issue are longstanding allegations that senior officials of the Unification Church — officially named the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification — engaged in systematic lobbying by providing money, campaign assistance or gifts to politicians and government officials. Investigators say the allegations span multiple administrations and point to an entrenched pattern of contact between the influential religious group and the political establishment.

The case initially gained momentum after allegations surfaced that a senior Unification Church official had provided cash and luxury gifts to Kim Keon Hee, the wife of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Although no charges were filed against Kim, the claims — which emerged during criminal proceedings — elevated what had been a church-related bribery probe into a politically sensitive national scandal, prompting authorities to examine whether the church had pursued influence at the highest levels of government.

As investigators reviewed testimony, financial records and communications, they concluded that the lobbying allegations were not limited to a single political camp. What began as scrutiny centered on figures linked to the previous administration gradually expanded into a cross-party investigation, ultimately drawing in lawmakers from both the PPP and the DPK and, later, members of Lee’s Cabinet.

Scrutiny involving senior Cabinet members presents a significant political risk to the president, complicating his legislative agenda and raising questions about the vetting of top aides.

How the scandal developed

The controversy came to light as investigators examined testimony and evidence linked to Yun Young-ho, a former senior Unification Church executive who once led its global headquarters. Yun is accused of acting as a key intermediary in the alleged lobbying efforts involving political figures.

Prosecutors are also reviewing allegations that Yun sought to deliver luxury items — including a Dior handbag — to individuals with close ties to former President Yoon Suk Yeol, including his wife, as part of efforts to gain influence within the presidential office.

According to investigators, Yun allegedly told associates that gifts and financial support arranged by church-linked figures could reach the president’s inner circle, raising questions about whether the Unification Church believed it had privileged access to top decision-makers. Authorities are examining whether those claims reflected actual channels of influence or were exaggerated assertions by Yun to enhance his standing within the organization.

The first lady has not been formally named as a suspect, but her name emerged in the probe as investigators traced communications and alleged gift transfers involving Yun and other intermediaries. The presidential office has said that neither Kim nor the former president accepted illegal funds or gifts, dismissing the allegations — including the Dior bag claim — as unsubstantiated and politically driven.

As details from court proceedings and investigative reporting emerged, scrutiny expanded from individual transactions to broader questions over whether the church had sought influence across party lines. The president ordered a full investigation into collusive ties between religious groups and politicians, insisting that inquiries move forward regardless of affiliation or rank.

Law enforcement agencies have widened their probe, sifting through financial records, communications and witness statements related to alleged political outreach by figures connected to the church.

With allegations touching both the ruling and opposition parties, the Unification Church issued its first public apology.

Han Hak-ja, head of the Unification Church, leaves Seoul Central District Court in Seoul, Sept. 22, after attending a hearing to review a warrant for her arrest. Korea Times file

Unification Church figures under investigation

Yun, once seen as one of the church’s most influential insiders, has been indicted and detained on charges tied to political lobbying. Prosecutors say he funneled money and valuables to politicians to advance the church’s interests. He reportedly told investigators that he contacted lawmakers from both the DPK and the PPP, leading to the widening of the inquiry’s scope.

In a separate case, Han Hak-ja, the church’s leader, is on trial for bribery charges. Prosecutors say luxury goods were deployed as part of an influence campaign, accusations Han has denied.

After the 2012 death of Han's husband, Unification Church founder Moon Sun-myung, the organization splintered into rival factions led by the couple's sons, each asserting a claim to his mantle. One, headed by Moon Hyun-jin, formed a separate international network, while another, led by Moon Hyung-jin, established the Sanctuary Church — also known as Rod of Iron Ministries — in the United States. The main body, under Han, continues to operate as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, leaving the movement divided over leadership and control of its assets.

Unification Minister Chung Dong-young waits for an elevator after speaking to reporters at Government Complex Seoul, Thursday, and denying allegations that he received illicit payments linked to the Unification Church. Yonhap

Investigators examine key allegations

Authorities are examining whether cash or valuables were provided in violation of anti-bribery or political funding laws, and whether any policy favors were sought in return. Investigators are also reviewing whether attempts were made to conceal evidence once the investigation began.

Yun has been accused of delivering 100 million won ($68,000) in cash to a PPP lawmaker, who has since been indicted. Investigators have also said that Yun told authorities he contacted politicians affiliated with the DPK, though not all individuals referenced have been publicly identified.

The investigation came under heightened public scrutiny after allegations reached members of Lee’s Cabinet.

Former Oceans and Fisheries Minister Chun Jae-soo resigned after media reports alleged he accepted tens of millions of won in cash and luxury watches from Yun between 2018 and 2020. He has denied the allegations, saying he stepped down to focus on responding to the allegations and cooperating with investigators.

Unification Minister Chung Dong-young has also been mentioned in news reports. He acknowledged meeting Yun briefly in 2021, saying the encounter lasted about 10 minutes and involved no financial exchange. He denied any wrongdoing and said he has never met Han.

Former Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Chun Jae-soo / Yonhap

“My name has never once been linked to any money-related scandals in my 30-year political career, something I have long taken pride in,” Chung said, adding that he would “pursue both civil and criminal responsibility against media outlets that damaged my reputation with unfounded rumors.”

Separate reports have alleged that National Intelligence Service (NIS) head Lee Jong-seok had contact with church figures. The NIS chief has denied receiving any money and said his interaction was limited to a single policy-related meeting.

PPP floor leader Song Eon-seog said Friday at a press conference that he wanted “the two Cabinet members, as well as close aides and other key figures implicated in the Unification Church scandal, to be publicly instructed to actively cooperate with the investigation,” stressing that “anyone who received financial support from the church should be investigated without exception, regardless of their affiliation or position.”

Both parties have said that the allegations should be handled through investigations and legal processes rather than political attacks.

As scrutiny intensified, the special prosecutor transferred the case to the National Police Agency, which has formed a dedicated task force to conduct a full-scale investigation.

Authorities have said that additional questioning and further indictments remain possible as the probe continues. All individuals named have denied wrongdoing, and no final judicial conclusions have been reached.