Expanded Probe and Ministerial Resignations Intensify Unification Church Scandal
Updated (3 articles)
Task force created to investigate senior officials’ ties The National Office of Investigation assembled a special task force to examine alleged financial links between the Unification Church and high‑ranking politicians, a move described as belated but essential given the seniority of those implicated[1]. The unit is mandated to verify facts swiftly and impartially, focusing on payments reported from 2018‑2019. Investigators have yet to determine whether the transfers constitute illegal donations or bribes, and the statute of limitations remains a question[1].
Yun Young‑ho testimony alleges cross‑party support Former church official Yun Young‑ho claimed the organization provided money or material assistance to members of both the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and the opposition People Power Party (PPP)[1]. His statements triggered the resignation of Oceans and Fisheries Minister Chun Jae‑soo, who denies any illicit receipt[1]. The testimony, however, rests largely on Yun’s account with limited corroborating evidence, and the exact amounts and timing of the alleged payments are inconsistent[1].
Chung Dong‑young and other ministers reject allegations Unification Minister Chung Dong‑young categorically denied receiving money from the church, stating he met Yun only once during a 2021 group trip and has had no further contact[2][3]. Chung announced plans to pursue legal action against media outlets spreading the claim, emphasizing his 30‑year political career without money‑related scandals[2][3]. President Lee Jae‑myung ordered a stern, cross‑party investigation into the alleged illegal ties, while Chun Jae‑soo offered to resign amid similar accusations, though he also called the claims groundless[2].
Parties clash over need for an independent prosecutor The PPP labeled the affair a “gate‑level” scandal and demanded a new special prosecutor, arguing that regular investigative bodies cannot act impartially[1]. The DPK dismissed the demand as politically motivated “water‑muddying,” insisting existing probes are sufficient[1]. Debate continues over whether the case meets the threshold for an independent investigation, testing public confidence in prosecutors and police[1].
Sources
-
1.
Yonhap: No More Double Standards: Unification Church Case Demands Equal Scrutiny: reports the formation of a special task force, ministerial resignation, cross‑party payment allegations, and the contested call for an independent prosecutor.
-
2.
Yonhap: Unification Minister Denies Report of Receiving Money from Unification Church: details Chung Dong‑young’s denial, single 2021 meeting with Yun, planned legal action, and President Lee’s directive for a cross‑party probe.
-
3.
Yonhap: Unification Minister Denies News Report of Receiving Money from Unification Church: repeats Chung’s denial, stresses he was not a lawmaker at the time, and situates the claim within broader allegations against DPK lawmakers.
Timeline
2018‑2019 – Alleged payments from the Unification Church to politicians occur; investigators have not yet confirmed whether the transfers constitute illegal donations or bribes, and the timing raises statute‑of‑limitations questions[1].
2021 – Chung Dong‑young meets former church official Yun Young‑ho once during a group trip to the Unification Church’s Gapyeong headquarters; he is not a lawmaker at the time and says he never contacts the church again[2][3].
Dec 10, 2025 – A news report alleges that Chung Dong‑young and other Democratic Party lawmakers received money and gifts from Yun Young‑ho; Chung publicly denies the claim, calls it groundless, and announces he will sue the outlets for defamation[2][3].
Dec 10, 2025 – Oceans Minister Chun Jae‑soo offers to resign amid similar allegations but rejects the claim as baseless; President Lee Jae‑Myung orders a stern, cross‑party investigation into alleged illegal ties between the religious group and politicians[2].
Dec 14, 2025 – The National Office of Investigation creates a special task force to pursue the Unification Church case, describing the move as belated but necessary to verify facts swiftly and impartially[1].
Dec 14, 2025 – Former Oceans and Fisheries Minister Chun Jae‑soo steps down after being implicated; he denies receiving illicit money while the resignation fuels political fallout[1].
Dec 14, 2025 – Former church official Yun Young‑ho testifies that the Unification Church provided financial or material support to politicians from both the ruling DPK and the opposition PPP, prompting a minister’s resignation and drawing lawmakers into the controversy[1].
Dec 14, 2025 – The PPP labels the scandal a “gate‑level” affair, demands a new special prosecutor, and accuses the current administration of corruption; the DPK dismisses the demand as politically motivated “water‑muddying” and urges existing investigative bodies to continue[1].
Dec 14, 2025 – Debate intensifies over whether an independent probe or special prosecutor is required; analysts say the case tests the threshold for such appointments and will affect public confidence in prosecutors and police[1].
Future (post‑Dec 2025) – Chung Dong‑young plans to file legal action against media outlets that published the allegations, while the PPP continues to press for a special prosecutor and the President’s cross‑party investigation proceeds pending the task force’s findings[2][1].