Power and Prayer: The South Korea Unification Church election scandal 2025 Explained

They've shaken hands, but their fists remain clenched. A deep-seated alliance between religion and political power is facing a historic legal reckoning in South Korea. On December 29, a Special Prosecutor announced that the Unification Church made illegal donations to political parties during the recent presidential election. It's a revelation that's sending shockwaves through the nation's democratic foundations.

Unpacking the South Korea Unification Church election scandal 2025

The investigation's already claiming high-profile casualties. On December 11, the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries offered to resign amid allegations of receiving money from the church. While the prosecution builds its case, the church's top leadership is digging in. On December 1, representatives for Han Hak-ja, the head of the Unification Church, denied all charges in court, setting the stage for a protracted legal battle.

Returning to the Blue House: A Strategic Reset

In a surprise move to distance itself from the growing scandal and the previous administration's image, the government announced on December 29 that it'll move the presidential office back to the Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae). This symbolic return occurs as Second Generation religious members demand legal protection for minors within these organizations. The move's seen as an attempt to regain public trust and re-establish institutional order.