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Unification Church

The latest news and top stories on the Unification Church. A prominent South Korea-based religious organisation, the Unification Church, also known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, is dedicated to establishing God’s rule on Earth and fostering a unified human race through intermarriage. Founded in Seoul in 1954, its main activities include religious teachings based on “The Divine Principle” and large-scale Blessing ceremonies. The church has engaged in political and social activism, founded media outlets like The Washington Times and faced scrutiny over its finances and influence, notably after the assassination of Japan’s ex-leader Shinzo Abe.

Unification Church

South Korean politicians agree to Unification Church special probe in rare move

The ruling DPK has accepted the opposition’s proposal to appoint special prosecutors to look into the church’s political meddling and bribes.

South Korean police raid Unification Church headquarters in bribery sweep

South Korea’s threat to dissolve corrupt religious groups risks blowback

‘I truly repent’: 15-year jail term sought for South Korean ex-first lady

The former first lady, who faces a raft of corruption allegations, will receive the court’s ruling on January 28.

Unification Church leader denies knowing about gifts for Kim Keon-hee

South Korean prosecutors reject the claim, saying Han Hak-ja is an ‘absolute power holder’ and no funds can be used without her approval.

South Korea awaits Han Duck-soo ruling as test case for martial law trials

The former prime minister would be the first person sentenced in connection with the decree. Prosecutors have demanded a 15-year prison term.

‘Everything is true’: Japanese gunman admits to killing Shinzo Abe

Prosecutors say Tetsuya Yamagami wanted to draw attention to the Unification Church by killing the influential former prime minister.

Shinzo Abe shooter expected to plead guilty, trial begins next week

Tetsuya Yamagami, 45, underwent extensive psychiatric examination that found him mentally fit to be held criminally responsible for the killing.

‘Dreaming of being a queen’: South Korean ex-first lady’s throne gaffe mocked

Kim Keon-hee is also accused of entering sacred chambers housing royal ancestral tablets in a 2023 visit to Jongmyo Shrine.

Japanese court orders Unification Church to pay US$340,000 over donations scam

The first such agreement between the church and its former followers opens the path for over 180 victims to seek compensation.

South Korea’s church-state corruption scandal ensnares ex-president Yoon’s ally

An ally of impeached ex-president Yoon Suk-yeol has become the first sitting MP since 1999 to be arrested amid a Unification Church scandal.

South Korea overhauls flawed prosecution office accused of selective justice

A key flashpoint was Kim Keon-hee’s case, which critics say highlighted a pattern of selective and politically motivated law enforcement.

Kim Keon-hee’s corruption charge exposes South Korea’s cronyism culture

Prosecutors allege the former first lady abused her position as Yoon Suk-yeol’s wife to make US$740,000 from stock manipulation and bribes.

South Korea’s ex-first lady sees bribery probe deepen over US$40,000 watch

New claims against the former first lady tie yet another luxury gift to a company that won a contract to supply presidential robot dogs.

How a diamond pendant brought down South Korea’s Kim Keon-hee

The downfall of South Korea’s former first lady hinged on a complex cover-up over a diamond-studded necklace worn to a Nato summit in 2022.

First lady’s last stand? South Korea’s Kim Keon-hee battles jail time

Kim Keon-hee will be the first presidential spouse to be jailed on criminal charges if the court approves her arrest.

‘I apologise’: South Korea’s ex-first lady faces public grilling over scandals

With her husband already in custody, Kim is now being questioned over her role in gift and stock scandals – and a surprise trip to Ukraine.

From ‘VIP No 1’ to suspect: how former South Korean first lady has fallen

Kim Keon-hee’s formal call-up shows that prosecutors are close to arresting her, observers say.