South Korean police on Monday expanded the Unification Church probe, launching coordinated raids amid escalating allegations of political bribery nationwide. The widening investigation signals a significant escalation, as authorities move beyond preliminary inquiries into a far-reaching enforcement phase.
The National Police Agency’s special investigation team executed search warrants at ten locations starting around 9 a.m. Police targeted the Unification Church headquarters in Gapyeong, its Seoul office in Yongsan, and the Seoul Detention Center, where senior church figures remain in custody.
Authorities also searched the National Assembly office and residence of former oceans minister and lawmaker Chun Jae-soo. At the same time, investigators raided homes belonging to former Democratic Party lawmaker Lim Jong-seong and ex-conservative legislator Kim Kyu-hwan, underscoring the probe’s bipartisan scope.
Police booked all three former lawmakers last week on suspicion of receiving illegal funds from church officials. According to investigators, Chun faces bribery allegations, while Lim and Kim allegedly violated South Korea’s Political Funds Act.
All three lawmakers publicly denied wrongdoing, insisting they never received money or valuables from church representatives. Former lawmaker Kim held a press conference Monday, forcefully rejecting the claims and vowing legal action over alleged defamation.
Meanwhile, church leader Han Hak-ja faces accusations of bribery and illegal political funding under South Korean law. Former global headquarters chief Yun Young-ho, already under indictment, faces identical charges tied to alleged lobbying activities.
Investigators entered Chun’s Assembly office several hours after media disclosed the planned enforcement actions. Police now plan extensive financial tracking, examining church accounting records to trace alleged payments and valuable gifts.
Authorities have focused particularly on luxury watches and cash transfers reportedly used to influence political decision-making. Earlier this year, investigators discovered roughly 28 billion won in cash inside Han’s private safe, although officials did not seize the funds due to jurisdictional limits.
Warrants allege Chun accepted 20 million won and a luxury watch around 2018. Investigators further allege Lim and Kim each received roughly 30 million won ahead of the 2020 general election.
The Unification Church probe widened after police questioned whether earlier investigators ignored evidence involving ruling-party figures. Officers also raided the special counsel’s office, citing concerns about incomplete evidence transfers during the case handover.
Political tensions have intensified as opposition parties accuse investigators of applying selective standards based on political affiliation. Chun resigned from the Cabinet last week, becoming the first minister to step down under President Lee, though he continues denying all allegations.
As ruling and opposition parties clash over appointing a new independent prosecutor, the Unification Church probe increasingly shapes the national debate. Observers say the case will test public trust in accountability, transparency, and South Korea’s rule of law.
