2025: The Arrest of Han Hak-ja & Investigation into Unification Church Leadership

[Peter Daley]

First up, a very in-depth exploration of Moon's UC. Well, the times they are a changing:

October 15, 2022: The Dark Shadow Cast by Moon Sun Myung's Unification Church & Abe Shinzo (Asia Pacific Journal)

Remarkably, in South Korea there is no sign of any similar upheaval. South Korean media dutifully covered the intense controversy in Japan over the Unification Church's ties to Abe and Japanese politicians, although some of their reporting was perfunctory at best. However, the tumult in Tokyo has stirred no corresponding debate or soul-searching in Seoul over the morality of a Korean religion partly financed through bilking Japanese victims. Neither has there been any domestic probing of a curiously indulgent relationship with the South Korean state.

And a reminder that the UC has a bit of a history mixing religion and politics.

• The Unification Church & Japanese Politics/The Murder of Shinzo Abe
• The Unification Church & American Politics

Another piece for some background information:

June 9, 2009: Moon's Ever-Changing Face-Lift (J. Isamu Yamamoto for The Christian Research Institue)

This shift in focus to the Family Federation and away from the Unification Church has been effective in attracting prominent and respected political leaders and celebrities to the movement's public functions, thus drawing more attention from the news media. In fact, the Women's Federation for World Peace, a sister organization of the Family Federation, paid former president George Bush and his wife, Barbara, about $1 million to speak about family values at several Moon events in the United States and Asia. Bush, Gerald Ford, Jack Kemp, and other notable public figures have addressed Moon-sponsored conferences under the assumption they were affirming conservative views of the family yet not endorsing the theology of Moon.

Nevertheless, the press has had a field day in subtly scoffing at Moon's marriage ceremonies and his association with high-profile conservative politicians and entertainers. For that reason, Unificationists, as well as Moon himself, often claim that the American press has been on a relentless campaign to persecute him and his movement. In fact, they believe such persecution led to his unjust 13-month imprisonment in the Danbury Federal Penitentiary for tax evasion from 1984 to 1985. Some followers of Moon also admit that Unificationists purchased the Washington Times newspaper in 1982 in order to provide a positive portrait of Moon and his political conservatism.

The name J. Isamu Yamamoto, the writer of the above piece sounded familiar. Low and behold, I bought his book about the UC 19 years ago. I think it's in my office.

Nov. 21, 2018: Mnangagwa Hosts Korea Cult Leader as Zimbabwe Churches Denounce Visit (Zim Live)
Note: Interesting tidbits about Moon's children and the power struggles following Moon's death. I really like the word "tidbit".

Her husband, Sun Myung Moon, the founder of the cult, died in 2012. Before his death, the cult announced that "True Mother was elevated to True Father's level horizontally."

She was supposed to be the "True Mother" who would reverse the fall of man by bearing children from a sin-free bloodline and lifting the curse of Adam and Eve. But, after marrying the 40-year-old Moon in 1960 at just 17 and giving birth to seven sons and seven daughters, Han would be the one to take control of her husband's church, along with his multibillion-dollar global empire and his spiritual legacy. ...

The cult claims to have three million members worldwide, including 100,000 in the United States.

Dec. 17, 2022: Suspicion of "Casino Entertainment" in Las Vegas, Independent Acquisition of Internal Materials of the UC (TBS News DIG)

Video link and the following partial ChatGPT translation courtesy of a friend and former member:

This is a document obtained by Report Special, created by a company that runs casinos in Las Vegas. The recipient: "To Ms. Hak Ja Han." It detailed the amounts of money and records of play by Han Hak Ja and 11 senior church officials at the casino over a four-year period from 2008 to 2011. A long-time church member in Korea agreed to be interviewed:

"This money wasn't used for the Providence at all. Under the name of the Las Vegas Providence, President Han Hak Ja and the leadership used it for gambling. These were donations offered with the sweat and tears of the believers."

According to the documents, the total sum was about 42.8 million dollars. At the 2011 exchange rate, that amounted to around 3.4 billion yen. The overall balance was negative: about 6.52 million dollars in losses — more than 520 million yen.

A witness comments: "To use that much money in a casino... in Las Vegas, they must have had an incredible, lavish time. They were treated as VVIPs. I even heard they had their own dedicated vault inside the VIP room." A former follower who had served as a household worker for the Moon family in America testified: "Mrs. Han frequently went to casinos. She had a favorite game she liked to play..." So where did the casino funds come from? "The source of funds was donations from Japanese believers."

And I thought this was worth posting as it is recent, and it again sheds light onto certain aspects of the Moonies.

Jan. 2025: The Narcissistic Messiah: Personality Disorder, Sun-myung Moon, and its Legacy in the Unification Church (Dr. Stephen Kent & Dr. Robin Willey).

Abstract: In recent years, several scholars have been re-examining the lives of numerous sect and cult leaders through the lens of current psychiatric personality disorders and mental health classifications. Narcissism is a frequently applied disorder used to evaluate the behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs of these leaders, but no one has yet used this personality disorder to examine the life of Sun Myung Moon ( founder of the Unification Church) and its significance for a multitude of connected organizations. Using analyses of Moon's talks and speeches in conjunction with other primary documents from the Unification Church itself (along with court materials and accounts from former members), we argue that Moon likely suffered from narcissistic personality disorder, which (paradoxically) helps to explain much of the devotion that members felt toward him during his life (and now after his death). Moon's probable narcissism also helps to explain some of the group's theology and practices that have continued posthumously.

[Peter Daley]

And now to current events:

2025

April 24: Shaman Suspected of Facilitating Gift of Diamond Jewelry From Unificationist to Yoon's Wife (Hankyoreh)

May 22: Travel Ban Imposed on Unification Church Leader Amid Probe into Ex-First Lady Scandal (Yonhap News)

June 12: Ex-first Lady Gift Probe Takes Strange Turn — to Vegas Gambling by Unification Church Leader (Korea JoongAng Daily)

June 20: Unification Church Expels Official Over Bribery Amid Potential Prosecution Turning Point (The Chosun Daily)

Yoon, a former senior official of the Unification Church (Family Federation for World Peace and Unification), who is accused of attempting to deliver a Chanel bag and a diamond necklace to First Lady Kim Keon-hee through Jeon Seong-bae, commonly known as 'Geonjinbeopsa,' has reportedly been excommunicated by the Unification Church. Excommunication is the most severe punishment within the church.

Previously, Yoon warned the church that he could make unfavorable statements about Chairman Han Hak-jae to the prosecution if he faced disciplinary action, raising concerns that the prosecution's investigation may reach a turning point. ...

Immediately after the disciplinary decision, Yoon's side issued a statement claiming he was a scapegoat for shifting responsibility. He also announced plans to file for an injunction to suspend the punishment and an administrative lawsuit, stating he would submit evidence of corruption, embezzlement, and non-believing acts by senior officials of the Unification Church to investigative authorities and the media.

July 18: Unification Church Raided as Investigators Target Ex-First Lady (The Korea Times)

July 18: UC Scandal Expands With Raids at More Than 10 Locations (UPI - Owned by Hyun-jin Preston Moon)

South Korean prosecutors on Thursday executed coordinated raids on more than 10 locations connected to the Unification Church, including its Seoul headquarters in Cheongpa-dong, the Cheonjeonggung Palace in Cheongpyeong, a foundation office in Mapo, and the private residence of former church executive Yoon Young-ho. ...

During the raid at Cheonjeonggung, Lee Cheong-woo -- the church's director of central administration and its third-ranking official -- allegedly mobilized approximately 600 young members to physically obstruct investigators. According to JTBC, Lee issued verbal threats and threatened to ram his vehicle into media reporters in an attempt to intimidate and disrupt coverage of the raid.

JTBC also reported that investigators discovered large bundles of cash and high-end luxury items inside a hidden safe, possibly intended for use in lobbying operations.

July 23: New Evidence Suggests Unification Church Tried to Away PPP Leadership Election for Yoon (Hankyoreh)

August 5: A New Religious Liberty Crisis in Korea (Massimo Introvigne for The UC-Owned Washington Times)

Aug. 7: Unification Church Leadership Faces Potential Criminal Charges Amid Expanding Corruption Inquiry (UPI - Owned by Hyun-jin Preston Moon)

Aug. 14: Corruption Probe Picks Up Speed With Multiple Raids Following Ex-First Lady's Arrest (Hankyoreh)

Aug. 27: The Korean Crisis Of Freedom & Democracy (Newt Gingrich For the UC-Owned Washington Times)
Note 1: A subscription is needed to read that, but the the UC-Owned Segye News has it available here.
Note 2: Newt fails to mention the Unification Church is at the center of this "recent all-out assault on religious liberty".

What I did not foresee was how radical the new government would be in going after its political opponents and advocates of religious liberty. The recent all-out assault on political and religious liberty has been breathtaking. Major conservative and religious leaders have had their houses and offices raided on a gigantic scale.

Sept. 4: Special Counsel Team Denies Preferential treatment in Unification Church probe (The Chosun Daily)

Sept. 5: Pompeo, Gingrich Denounce Korean Special Counsel's Plan to Summon Unification Church Head (Korea JoongAng Daily)

Newt Gingrich, former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and considered by some to be a "mentor" of Trump, also criticized the Lee Jae Myung administration in an Aug. 27 opinion piece in the Washington Times. He accused the Korean government of an "all-out assault on political and religious liberty" that has been "breathtaking." Both Pompeo and Gingrich have ties to Unification Church–affiliated events.

Note: Link to post. It's interesting he doesn't mention the Unification Church/Moonies/The Family Federation thing - again. I am sure that was not accidental. Who not deeply familiar with the UC would recognize her name?

Reminder: Time Magazine reported in April 2024 that Trump was paid $2.5 million by the UC.

Sept. 10: Trump's Spiritual Advisor, Paula White, Praises Moonies Cult Leader: 'I Believe In Your Calling'(Protesia)

Sept. 10: Far-Right Figures Are Gaining Influence, & Bending Trump's Ear on Korea (Hankyoreh)

Sept. 15: Faith Under Review: Balancing Rights & Responsibilities Rev. Dr. Paul Murray For UPI - Owned by Hyun-jin Preston Moon)
Note to Self 1: Compare the following IMHO good points with UC criticism of the UPI's coverage.
Note 2: When Googling Rev. Dr. Paul Murray, I came across a different Rev. Dr Paul Murray - worth a read. And here's another - Very Rev. Paul Murray. It never rains, it pours.

In 2014, prosecutors charged Yoido Full Gospel Church founder David Yonggi Cho and his son with breach of trust and tax evasion after the church faced a $12 million loss due to stock price manipulation. The case was tried publicly and led to convictions for financial misconduct, as reported by outlets including Hankyoreh and JoongAng Daily. Cho received a fine and a suspended sentence, while his son went to jail.

Throughout the process, the faith, teachings or charitable activities of Yoido Full Gospel Church were never put on trial. Congregants' right to worship remained intact and operations continued as usual. The case underscored a key distinction: Faith is sacred, but it does not exempt anyone from accountability for fraud. Now, the Unification Church faces similar scrutiny in Korea and Japan.

In Japan, the Tokyo District Court in March ordered the Unification Church's dissolution as a religious corporation after discovering decades of consumer protection abuses. These abuses involved coercive fundraising, called "spiritual sales," which harmed thousands of families. The ruling was based on testimony from victims and civil actions filed by church members, not on disputes over theology or public worship. While the court's decision revoked the church's tax status and allowed for the liquidation of its assets, it did not ban the organization's religious activities or existence. Its focus remained on concrete harm rather than beliefs, and this action is currently under appeal.

Sept. 17: PPP Lawmaker With Close Ties to Yoon Detained on Suspicion of Accepting Unification Church Bribes (Hankyoreh)

Sept. 17: How the Unification Church is Linked to an Investigation into South Korea's Former First Lady (Yahoo News)

Sept. 17: People Power Party Lawmaker Arrested Over Illegal Political Funds (The Chosun Daily)

Sept. 18: South Korean Prosecutors Seek Arrest of Moonies Leader in Bribery Probe (Aljazeera)

Sept. 18: Special Counsel Confirms List of 110,000 Suspected Unification Church Members in Raid Against Firm Managing PPP Database (Yonhap News)

Sept. 18: Special Counsel Seeks Arrest Warrant for Unification Church Leader Over Alleged Bribery (Korea JoongAng Daily)

Sept. 18: Public has Right to Know PPP's Relationship with Unification Church (Editorial) (Hankyoreh)

Sept. 18: Gingrich Condemns Lee Jae-myung Government's Religious Suppression (The Chosun Daily)

Newt Gingrich, former U.S. Speaker of the House, criticized, "The new left-wing government in South Korea is attacking various religions, but it seems to have a mad intention to destroy Mother Moon ...

In a Washington Times column on the 27th of last month, Gingrich referenced large-scale raids on conservative and church leaders in South Korea, stating, "The Lee Jae-myung government's recent full-scale suppression of politics and religion is suffocating," and, "I did not expect the new government to be so radical in suppressing political opponents and advocates of religious freedom."

Note: He called her "Mother Moon"? Good god, why? I don't recall anyone who isn't a member refering to her as that. Facebook direct link and screenshot:

Sept. 19: Special Counsel Secures List of Suspected Unification Church Members in PPP Collusion Probe (Korea JoongAng Daily)

Sept. 20: Democratic Party Demands People Power Party Dissolution Over Unification Church Ties (The Chosun Daily)

Jung Chung-rae, the Democratic Party's leader, said at a party meeting, "If the People Power Party is proven to be linked to the Unification Church, it will not escape dissolution, as seen in the case of the Integration Progressive Party." Kim Byung-joo, a senior member, cited Article 20, Paragraph 2 of the Constitution, which states, "Religion and politics are separate," and argued, "Violating this would prove the People Power Party is unconstitutional and must be dissolved." Lee Eun-ju, another senior member, called it "an unprecedented violation of the Constitution, collusion between religion and politics, and abuse of state affairs," and stressed, "It must be thoroughly and severely punished."

Sept. 21: Moon Fortune to Stay in Zug Foundation (Swiss Info)

It's the end of a protracted legal battle. On July 3, 2025, the District of Columbia Court of Appeals put an end to one of the longest legal disputes over the will of the reverend Sun Myung Moon, late founder of the Unification Church, better known as the Moonies. The background to all of this was the transfer of a fortune amounting to several hundred million dollars into a foundation in Zug, Switzerland.

The American court turned down all the petitions by the widow of the reverend, Hak Ja Han Moon, and their youngest son, Hyung Jin Moon (alias Sean), against their rival Preston Moon, eldest son of the deceased Korean guru. The judges found that decisions of this man were an internal religious matter. Civil courts are not in a position to decide on this sort of dispute, it being excluded by the First Amendment of the US Constitution.

Sept. 22: Unification Church Director Han Hak-ja Faces Collusion Detention Review (Chosun Daily)

Sept. 22: Collusion Between Politics and Religion - Allegations: Unification Church President Han Hakja Appears in Court for Detention Hearing in Wheelchair... Decision Expected Tonight at the Earliest (Asia Business Daily)

Sept. 22: Newt Gingrich: This Country is Sliding into a Pro-Chinese, Communist Dictatorship (Fox News)

Lots to unpack in that. And this time Newt names neither Hak Ja-han or the name of her "church". Perhaps he couldn't call her "Mother" without sounding nuts?

The leader of one of the churches is an 83 year old women who they have locked up in a way that resembels North Korea or communist China

[Peter Daley]

There are dozens and dozens of articles about her arrest. I'll just link to a few and perhaps add more later

Sept. 23: Unification Church leader Arrested in South Korea (France 24/Seoul AFP)

We humbly accept the court's decision. We will sincerely cooperate with the ongoing investigation and trial procedures to establish the truth, and we will do our utmost to take this as an opportunity to restore trust in our church. We deeply apologise for causing concern.

The above quote from a spokesperson is in stark contrast to this messaging, which seems like a case of them saying the quiet part out loud.

Sept. 23: Former FFWPU Director Seeks Bail in Luxury Gifts, Political Funds Case (The Chosun Daily)

Sept. 24: Unification Church President Han Hak-ja Finishes First Special Counsel Questioning After Arrest (Chosun Daily)

Sept. 24: Following the money: Investigators seek to verify if Unification Church cash reached Yoon (Hankyoreh)

The key allegation requiring further investigation is Han's alleged delivery of 100 million won (US$72,000) in illegal political funds to PPP lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong in January 2022 through Yun Young-ho, the former global operations director of the Unification Church. Yun has been indicted and is currently behind bars.

The special counsel team is considering the possibility that this sum may have made its way to the former president himself. During the investigation, it was revealed that Yun, who managed Unification Church finances, placed half of the 100 million won delivered to Kweon in a separate bundle that bore the Chinese character for "king" in embroidery. This suggests Yoon may have received or been aware of a portion of the Unification Church's bribe.

It is highly likely that the team will turn up additional funds beyond the aforementioned 100 million won that the Unification Church handed Kweon.

Sept. 25: Former Japanese Followers Express Anger Over Alleged Bribery by Unification Church, Money May Have Come From Japan (The Yomiuri Shimbun Via Asia News Network)

Sept. 25: Unification Church Records From 2021 Show Possible 5 billion Won Earmarked For Presidential Election (Hankyoreh)

Sept. 25: Religion, Politics, Payback: Why The jailing of Han Hak-ja Feels Familiar (Michael Breen for The Korea Times)

Had it waited for verification, it might have learned that, while media reports there are 200,000 to 300,000 Unification members in Korea — probably based on the church's own claims — the real figure is 10 percent of that. The list is dodgy. Of course, if it turns out it includes fake names or people unknowingly registered, the church could face separate charges.

Note: Interesting contrast between Breen's estimation of numbers with Massimo's description of Han Hak-ja as someone who is "known to millions as the Mother of Peace". Usually they are in agreement.

Sept. 26: Probe into PPP Collusion Finds 3,500 UC Members Joined Party Ahead of Key Events (Korea JoongAng Daily)

Sept. 26: South Korea's Arrest of UC Leader Wins Praise (UCA News)

Sept. 29: Special Counsel Questions UC Leader, Lawmaker Over Alleged Bribery (The Korea Times)

Sept. 29: Unification Church Leader Han Hak-ja Requests Detention Review (The Chosun Daily)

Han Hak-ja, the Unification Church leader detained on the 22nd, reportedly requested a review of detention legality from the court on the 29th, arguing that the detention decision was unjust. The court must decide on release or dismissal within 48 hours of receiving the request.

Sept. 30: Unification Church Urges Rally in Gyeongju During APEC Summit as Leader Faces Corruption Probe (The Korea Herald)

Demian Dunkley, head of the Unification Church's US branch, has called on church members in Korea, the US and Japan to gather in Gyeongju, South Gyeongsang Province, during the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, to protest a special prosecutor's investigation into church leader Han Hak-ja.

According to local broadcaster JTBC, Dunkley made the remarks during a Sept. 21 sermon at a church facility in New York. In a video obtained by the outlet, he is seen telling the congregation, "President Trump, along with (Chinese leader) Xi and others, are coming to Korea in October for APEC."

"What if we gathered hundreds or thousands of young people to welcome Trump with pictures of Trump, pictures of Mother (Han) and American flags?" he said, adding, "We should cover all of Gyeongju with our young people."

Oct. 2: Court Dismisses Lawmaker's, UC Leader's Petitions Against Arrest (The Korea Herald)

Oct. 2: PPP Lawmaker Indicted for Accepting Political Funds from UC (Korea JoongAng Daily)

Oct. 5: Special Counsel Likely to Indict South Korea's Han Hak-ja for Refusing Summons (The Chosun Daily)

The special counsel team of Min Joong-ki, which is investigating various allegations involving Kim Keon-hee, appears likely to indict, without further questioning, President Han Hak-ja over her refusal to comply with a summons related to the Unification Church allegations.

Oct. 5: Reflections Outside Seoul Detention Center (Family Fed. USA/Facebook Video)

Members continue to pray and offer devotions daily outside Seoul Detention Center, where Holy Mother Han is detained.
Here are some reflections from Cathy and Thomas Hwang

[Peter Daley]

Oct. 10: Special Counsel Expected to Indict UC Leader Over Bribery Allegations (Yonhap News)

Han is accused of colluding with a former church official surnamed Yun to hand 100 million won (US$70,300) to People Power Party Rep. Kweon Seong-dong in 2022 in exchange for his help in gaining favors for the church in the event of Yoon Suk Yeol's election as president later that year. Yoon went on to win the election.

She is also suspected of involvement in gifting a luxury necklace and Chanel bags to Yoon's wife, Kim, while requesting favors, embezzling the church's money to purchase the gifts and ordering the destruction of evidence to Yun ahead of a police investigation into her alleged overseas gambling.

Oct. 10: South Korean Prosecutor Indicts Unification Church Leader In Probe Linked to Ex-First Lady (Reuters)

The indictments against Han, 82, include accusations she violated the Political Funds Act, illegal solicitation, inciting destruction of evidence and embezzlement, the prosecutor's office said in a statement.

Oct. 10: Unification Church Leader Indicted For Alleged Bribery Linked to Ex-First Lady (Yonhap News)

Oct. 10: South Korea Indicts Unification Church Leader Hak-ja Han (UPI - Owned by Preston Moon)

Oct. 13: Prosecutors: Kim Keon-hee Tied to Unification Church PPP Memberships (The Chosun Daily)

The special investigation team led by Special Prosecutor Min Joong-ki, which is probing allegations of a mass membership registration of Unification Church followers in the People Power Party (PPP), has reported that the background of the collective registration involved a request from Kim Keon-hee. ...

Regarding the allegations, the special counsel team reportedly seized and searched a server containing the PPP's membership list on the 19th of last month, extracting a list of approximately 110,000 to 120,000 individuals suspected of being Unification Church followers. The team also discovered bundles of membership applications from Unification Church followers during a raid on the PPP's South Gyeongsang Province branch on the 30th of last month.

Oct. 14: Jeon Admits Delivering Gifts to Kim Keon-hee (The Chosun Daily)

Oct. 14: Shaman Admits Delivering Chanel Bags, Jewelry to Ex-First Lady's Aide (The Korea Herald)

"It is true that in April and July 2022, Jeon received Chanel handbags and a diamond necklace by Graff from the former Unification Church official surnamed Yoon and delivered them to Yoo Kyung-ok, a former secretary for Kim," an attorney said in Jeon's criminal trial on Tuesday.

Oct. 15: From Reverence to Reckoning: Scandals Pull Back Curtain On The Unification Church (Korea JoongAng Daily)

Oct. 17: Kweon Seong-dong Faces Trial For Alleged 100 Million Won Unification Church Payment (The Chosun Daily)

The first trial of People Power Party lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong, who was indicted and detained on charges of receiving more than 100 million won in illegal political funds from a Unification Church official, will be held on the 28th. ..

At the time, it was found that lawmaker Kweon received a proposal from former chief Yoon to the effect that "We hope presidential candidate Yoon Suk-yeol will attend a Unification Church event in February 2022. If you later support the Unification Church's policies and events, we will help with the presidential election by using the votes of Unification Church believers and the organization of the Unification Church."

Oct. 17: Court to Hold 1st Preparatory Hearing of UC Leader's Trial Later This Month (Yonhap News)

Oct. 18: Unification Church Leader Indicted in 500M Won Embezzlement (The Chosun Daily)

The special prosecution team led by Min Joong-ki, investigating allegations related to Kim Keon-hee, has identified circumstances in which Han Hak-ja, the Unification Church leader, embezzled approximately 500 million won in church funds for personal purposes, including purchasing luxury goods and jewelry.

The plot expectedly thickens:
Oct. 18: Special Counsel Says Unification Church Spent About 500 Million Won on Jewelry for Han Hak-ja (Chosun Biz)

According to the special counsel, former Chief of Staff to the President Jeong Won-ju instructed Lee, a former Director General of financial management and the wife of former Unification Church World Headquarters head Yoon Young-ho, once called the "No. 2" in the Unification Church, in May 2022 to "pay 420 million won to S Jewelry for a brooch and earrings to be given to President Han."

Lee said the instructed amount was sent to S Jewelry with personal funds. She then submitted supporting documents as if the expense was related to major Unification Church events, according to the investigation. The special counsel contends that, through this, a total of 534 million won was reimbursed with Unification Church funds.

And the plot expectedly thickens... again:
Oct. 20: Secret Prosecutor Roster Found in Unification Church Raid (UPI - Owned by Preston Moon)

South Korea's special prosecutor has launched an internal probe after investigators found a confidential roster of law enforcement officers inside a Unification Church office during a recent raid -- a discovery that has intensified a widening corruption case linking religion, politics and the state.

The list, first reported by The JoongAng Ilbo newspaper, contained the names and assignments of police officers temporarily working at the Special Prosecutor's Office. Such documents are normally restricted even within the agency.

Officials said they are investigating whether a retired police officer, identified only by the initial A, leaked the file to church officials.

An special prosecutor's spokesperson said the office is "verifying how the document was obtained and whether any ongoing investigations were affected." If confirmed, prosecutors say, the breach would mark one of the most serious leaks of investigative information in years, potentially allowing suspects to anticipate raids or destroy evidence.

More thickening of plots:
Oct. 22: Special Counsel Secures Luxury Gifts Given To Ex-First Lady (Yonhap News)

Special counsel Min Joong-ki's team said Wednesday it has secured luxury gifts offered by the Unification Church to former first lady Kim Keon Hee in 2022 in exchange for requesting policy favors on church issues.

Shaman Jeon Seong-bae, involved in Kim's bribery allegations, voluntarily presented a Graff necklace with a market value of 62.2 million won (US$43,500), and a pair of Chanel shoes and three Chanel bags, which the first lady had received and then exchanged, through his lawyer to Min's team Tuesday afternoon, according to assistant special counsel Park Sang-jin. ...

Jeon claimed previously that he had lost the necklace and bags as soon as he received them. But he recently reversed his previous testimony in court, reportedly asserting that the ultimate recipient of the luxury gifts was Kim.

October 24: Witness Testifies Luxury Items Delivered to Kim Keon-hee in Bribery Trial (The Chosun Daily)

Jeon Seong-bae, known as "Geonjin Beop-sa," testified in court on the 24th regarding the allegation that he received a Graff diamond necklace worth 62.2 million Korean won and two Chanel bags worth around 10 million Korean won each from a high-ranking Unification Church official and delivered them to Kim Keon-hee, saying, "The luxury items were delivered to Ms. Kim." Ms. Kim has maintained that she did not receive the luxury items. However, Jeon, who was close to Ms. Kim, stated in court that day, "This is a part for which Ms. Kim should take responsibility." ...

When Jeon was investigated by the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office before the special counsel was established, he stated, "I had kept the gifts, including the Chanel bags, in shopping bags but lost them." Last May, when the prosecution presented circumstances suggesting that former administrator Yoo had exchanged the Chanel bags for other Chanel bags and shoes, Jeon changed his statement, saying, "I had asked someone to run an errand." During the special counsel's investigation last August, he reportedly stated, "After telling Ms. Kim, 'I will keep them during the president's term,' I lost them." However, it is said that all of these statements were false.

Oct. 27: Formal Trial For Unification Church Leader To Begin in Dec. (Yonhap News)

The first hearing will be held Dec. 1 and be followed by one to two hearings a week, the bench overseeing the trial at the Seoul Central District Court said during a preparatory hearing. An additional preparatory hearing will be held Nov. 18, it said.