Seoul: South Korean police on Monday carried out raids on multiple offices and properties of the Unification Church in and around Seoul as part of an investigation into alleged illegal payments involving senior politicians and government officials.
According to police, searches were conducted at 10 locations linked to the church, including a large palace complex northeast of the capital that serves as its international headquarters. The details of the operation have not yet been fully disclosed, and police officials were unavailable for further comment.
The investigation centers on allegations that the Unification Church made illegal payments to several cabinet members as well as current and former lawmakers. The case reportedly involves the church’s leader, Han Hak-ja, according to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency.
The controversy has already had political repercussions. The oceans and fisheries minister stepped down last week, stating that he wanted to focus on disproving what he described as false allegations and to prevent the issue from affecting the functioning of President Lee Jae Myung’s administration.
In response to the accusations, the Unification Church said in a statement that it was not involved in the alleged misconduct, which it described as “transgressions” committed by a single former church official.
Separately, Han Hak-ja is currently on trial on charges that she bribed former first lady Kim Keon Hee in exchange for business-related favors. Han has strongly denied the allegations.
Last week, President Lee Jae Myung ordered a thorough investigation into suspected illegal connections between religious groups and politicians. The presidential office emphasized that the probe would apply regardless of political affiliation or rank, stating that no individual would be exempt from scrutiny.
The case has intensified public debate in South Korea over the relationship between religious organizations and political power, as authorities continue to pursue accountability at the highest levels.