South Korean Police Raid Unification Church Amid Widening Bribery Probe Involving Politicians and Japanese Ties

Police Conduct Extensive Raids on Unification Church Facilities

South Korean police launched extensive raids on Monday, December 15, 2025, targeting the offices and compounds of the Unification Church, officially known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification. The operations, which included the church's headquarters in Seoul and its international headquarters, Cheonjeonggung, in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, are part of a widening investigation into allegations of illegal payments and gifts to politicians. Approximately 10 locations were searched by authorities.

The raids come as part of a probe into suspected violations of the Political Funds Act and bribery laws, with the church's leader, Han Hak-ja, named as a suspect. This latest action follows earlier search and seizure operations conducted on Friday, July 18, 2025, by a special counsel team investigating allegations against former first lady Kim Keon-hee.

Allegations Involve Former First Lady and Key Lawmakers

The investigation centers on claims that the Unification Church provided illicit support to various political figures. Key allegations include:

• Former First Lady Kim Keon-hee: Accusations suggest that Kim Keon-hee, wife of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, received luxury items, including Chanel handbags and a diamond necklace valued at 60 million won ($43,000), from former senior church official Yoon Young-ho. These gifts were allegedly delivered through a broker, Jeon Seong-bae (also known as Geon Jin), between April and August 2022. In exchange, the church reportedly sought government favors, such as support for overseas projects, the acquisition of broadcaster YTN, and invitations to high-profile state events.
• Former Oceans and Fisheries Minister Chun Jae-soo: Allegations state that Chun Jae-soo received two Cartier and Bulgari watches and 40 million Korean won in cash between 2018 and 2020. These payments were reportedly linked to requests concerning the long-proposed Korea-Japan undersea tunnel project, a significant initiative for the Unification Church.
• Other Lawmakers: Former lawmakers identified as 'Lim' and 'Kim' are also implicated, with claims of receiving tens of millions of Korean won in cash before the 2020 general election.

While the Unification Church has denied organizational involvement in these 'transgressions,' former official Yoon Young-ho reportedly stated that his attempts to deliver gifts to Kim Keon-hee were approved by leader Han Hak-ja. Several implicated politicians, including Chun Jae-soo, have categorically denied receiving any money or valuables.

Deep-Rooted Ties to Japan and Financial Origins Under Scrutiny

The ongoing South Korean investigation has highlighted the Unification Church's long-standing and often controversial ties to Japan. The church, founded in South Korea in 1954, expanded into Japan in 1958, establishing significant political connections, particularly with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

The relationship gained intense public scrutiny following the 2022 assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whose alleged links to the church became a major scandal. Concerns have been raised that funds used in the alleged South Korean bribery cases may have originated from Japan, where the church has faced accusations of pressuring members into making large donations through 'spiritual sales' tactics. The proposed Korea-Japan undersea tunnel project, a key interest of the Unification Church, further underscores the cross-border dimension of the alleged political influence.

Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigations

Beyond the bribery allegations, the investigation has also touched upon other controversies surrounding the Unification Church. Leader Han Hak-ja and other church officials are accused of spending nearly 58 billion won on illegal gambling in Las Vegas between 2008 and 2011, with suspicions of attempts to interfere with a police probe into these activities. Furthermore, the special counsel has indicted Yoon Young-ho, Han Hak-ja, and 20 People Power Party provincial and district committee chairs for allegedly violating the Political Funds Act by providing 144 million Korean won in split donations.

The raids signify a significant escalation in the South Korean authorities' efforts to uncover the full extent of the Unification Church's alleged political influence and financial misconduct. The church, through its Japanese headquarters, has expressed regret over the situation and maintained that leader Han Hak-ja poses no flight risk or threat of evidence destruction.