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Unification Church

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.
The Unification Church compound in Gapyeong, South Korea, is seen shrouded by fog in July. Photo: Yonhap/EPA
South Korea

South Korean police raid Unification Church headquarters in bribery sweep

Police have named church leader Han Hak-ja as a suspect in the bribery of several high-profile politicians.

South Korea

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

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South Korea

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

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South Korea

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.

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Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja arrives at court to attend a hearing on September 22. Photo: Reuters
South Korea

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.

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Japan

‘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.

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Japan

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.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks to reporters at his official residence in Tokyo, August 2020. Prime Minister Abe in 2020 became Japan’s longest-serving leader in terms of consecutive days in office. Photo: AP
South Korea

‘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.

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Japan

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

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.

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The Unification Church’s headquarters in Gapyeong, South Korea, seen shrouded by fog. Photo: Yonhap/EPA
South Korea

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.

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South Korea’s former first lady Kim Keon-hee, wife of ex-president Yoon Suk-yeol, is seen at Seoul Central District Court last month. Photo: Newsis/Xinhua
South Korea

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.

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South Korea

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.

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South Korea

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.

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Former South Korean first lady Kim Keon-hee wears a diamond pendant at a dinner with her husband, former president Yoon Suk-yeol during the Nato summit on June 29, 2022. Photo: Presidential Photography Group
South Korea

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.

South Korea’s former first lady Kim Keon-hee arrives at the Seoul Central District Court on Tuesday to attend a hearing reviewing her arrest warrant. Photo: AFP
South Korea

‘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.

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South Korea

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.

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