South Korea’s President Lee Orders Full Probe Into Suspected Religious–Political Links

Post by : Saif Nasser

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called for a wide and fair investigation into suspected illegal connections between a religious group and politicians. His message, shared on Wednesday by the presidential office, was clear: no one should be protected, and the inquiry must apply to every politician, whether they belong to the ruling party or the opposition.

President Lee made these remarks during a livestreamed cabinet meeting on Tuesday, where he urged his ministers to find ways to handle religious groups that, in his words, “meddle in politics” or use illegal funds. He also asked officials to study how South Korea’s process for dissolving a religious organization differs from Japan’s, showing that he is considering stronger legal tools for future action.

Although President Lee did not name any specific group, many in South Korea believe his comments may have been directed at the Unification Church. This religious group has been under heavy scrutiny in both South Korea and Japan. Its leader, Han Hak-ja, is currently on trial for allegedly bribing former First Lady Kim Keon Hee in exchange for political favours. Han has denied all wrongdoing.

This case is one of several major investigations led by special prosecutors following the dramatic downfall of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Yoon was ousted after declaring martial law in December 2024, an act that shook the country and triggered multiple probes into him and his wife. The allegations involving the Unification Church are part of the wider political fallout from this period.

Recent local reports suggest that the Unification Church may have also provided funds to lawmakers in President Lee’s own party. A former official from the group reportedly shared this information with investigators. Because of this, police have now been asked to look into any contacts between ruling party members and the church, according to Yonhap News Agency.

For now, the Unification Church has not offered a new comment on the fresh accusations.

The group is also facing pressure in Japan. Earlier this year, a Tokyo district court ordered the Unification Church to be dissolved after a high-profile case involving financial abuse and coercion of followers. The church has appealed that decision, keeping the legal battle alive.

President Lee’s call for an equal and transparent investigation comes at a sensitive time in South Korean politics. With trust in political leaders shaken by scandals and the memory of last year’s martial law crisis still fresh, many citizens want stronger action against corruption and outside influence. Lee’s message suggests that he intends to show that no group or politician should be beyond the reach of the law.

This developing situation will likely remain in the public eye as investigators move forward. What begins as a probe into a religious group could soon grow into a deeper examination of the political system itself. For now, South Koreans are waiting to see whether this moment will bring real accountability or simply add to the long list of political disputes that have unsettled the country in recent years.