[EXPLAINER] Unification Church lobbying probe roils Korean politics

An expanding, politically fraught investigation into alleged illicit ties between the Unification Church and Korean politicians has become one of the most far-reaching influence-peddling scandals the nation has seen in recent years. The widening probe by a team of special prosecutors led by Min Jung-ki now touches figures across the political spectrum, drawing in lawmakers from both the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), and unexpectedly extending into President Lee Jae Myung’s inner circle. The scandal threatens to upend an already delicate political balance in Seoul, intensifying pressure on both major parties to demonstrate transparency and distance themselves from the church. At issue are longstanding accusations that senior Unification Church officials, formally known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, engaged in systematic lobbying by providing money, campaign assistance or gifts to politicians and government leaders. The allegations span years and multiple administrations, pointing to what investigato

[EXPLAINER] Unification Church lobbying probe roil...