Unification Church Illegal Political Donations 2025: Official Indicted as Leader Faces Probe
South Korean prosecutors indicted a Unification Church official on Dec 31, 2025, for illegal political donations. The move extends the probe into leader Han Hak-ja.
The statute of limitations was just hours away from expiring. Now, the Unification Church faces a formal legal reckoning. On December 31, 2025, South Korean prosecutors indicted Song Gwang-seok, a former high-ranking official of the church-affiliated Universal Peace Foundation, over allegations of funneling illegal funds to politicians.
Unification Church Illegal Political Donations Scheme Exposed
According to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office, Song's indictment centers on the delivery of 13 million won (approximately $8,960) to 11 lawmakers in 2019. Investigators believe the donations were made in an organized fashion, where church officials used their own names to donate and were later reimbursed by the religious group. This 'split-funding' tactic is a common method used to bypass legal limits on corporate or organizational political contributions.
Legal Pressure Mounts on Han Hak-ja
While Song has been officially charged, prosecutors haven't finished with the church's top leadership. They've requested additional police investigation into Han Hak-ja, the church leader, and two other officials. Han is currently in custody on separate bribery charges involving former first lady Kim Keon Hee. Crucially, Song's indictment effectively suspends the statute of limitations for his alleged accomplices, including Han, which was set to expire this Friday. This legal maneuver gives authorities more time to build their case against the church's highest echelons.
This content is AI-generated based on source articles. While we strive for accuracy, errors may occur. We recommend verifying with the original source.
Related Articles
Rep. Kim Byung-kee, the ruling Democratic Party's floor leader, resigned on Dec 30, 2025, amid allegations of power abuse and receiving free gifts from Korean Air.
Hanwha Aerospace signs a massive $3.48 billion third-stage contract with Poland for Chunmoo rocket systems on Dec 29, 2025. This deal solidifies South Korea's defense presence in Europe.
USFK Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson says South Korea's role is expanding to include Indo-Pacific security and the defense of the First Island Chain.
South Korean special prosecutors seek a 15-year prison sentence for former First Lady Kim Keon-hee over bribery and state interference. Former President Yoon Suk-yeol faces insurrection charges.
Rep. Kim Byung-kee, the ruling Democratic Party's floor leader, resigned on Dec 30, 2025, amid allegations of power abuse and receiving free gifts from Korean Air.
Hanwha Aerospace signs a massive $3.48 billion third-stage contract with Poland for Chunmoo rocket systems on Dec 29, 2025. This deal solidifies South Korea's defense presence in Europe.
USFK Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson says South Korea's role is expanding to include Indo-Pacific security and the defense of the First Island Chain.
South Korean special prosecutors seek a 15-year prison sentence for former First Lady Kim Keon-hee over bribery and state interference. Former President Yoon Suk-yeol faces insurrection charges.