Media Speculations: Federation Role in 2022 Vote

Korea Herald echoes speculations by Christian media outlet that Federation campaigned for one of the presidential candidates in 2022 vote, in violation of election laws

See also Religious Liberty Under Fire in South Korea

See also Special Message: Not Involved in Political Funds

See also Mike Pompeo Calls Probe of Co-Founder “Lawfare”

See also Critics Warn of “Authoritarian Drift” in SKorea

On 20^th August 2025, The Korea Herald reported allegations that the Family Federation engaged in illicit electoral activity during the 2022 South Korean presidential election, purportedly campaigning for then-candidate Yoon Suk-yeol. The article was headlined “Unification Church campaigned for Yoon Suk Yeol in 2022 presidential election: report”.

According to the piece, the daily newspaper No Cut News (노컷뉴스) run by the Christian Broadcasting System (CBS), a religious radio and television network, claims that Family Federation branches gathered followers on 3^rd March 2022 – just ahead of pre-voting – and encouraged them to support Yoon and to heed “the words of the heavens”.

Additionally, Hak Ja Han, the Federation’s co-founder and current leader, is said to have addressed high-level officials of the religious organization on 2^nd March, criticizing then-President Moon Jae-in and invoking divine will in the election.

This, combined with reports that funds were funneled to Federation branches to assist Yoon’s party, has prompted suspicions of a breach of Article 85 of the Public Official Election Act, which bans religious groups from using their influence to sway votes. The Family Federation, however, denies any illegal support for specific individuals, acknowledging only that it did not sponsor “a certain individual” in an improper way. The article also notes allegations of luxury gifts – bags and a necklace – given to Yoon’s wife.

The Korea Herald article by reporter Yoon Min-shik is almost entirely based on suspicions and allegations originating in a daily belonging to the Christian Broadcasting System (CBS), representing a Christianity that for more than 70 years has persecuted the Family Federation.

CBS is not a neutral actor. Its Protestant identity and history of vocal opposition to the Family Federation / Unification Church color the credibility and framing of its reports. While this does not invalidate facts, it does raise questions about motive, timing, and emphasis.

By surfacing the allegations during an ongoing probe into Kim Keon-hee, CBS is both amplifying the legal stakes and reinforcing a longstanding narrative of the Family Federation and its political involvement.

South Korean media is deeply polarized along political and religious lines. Conservative vs. progressive papers, and Protestant vs. new religious movement outlets, often report the same facts differently. This case illustrates how allegations about electioneering can double as instruments of religious competition.

Elections are of course important for the direction a nation chooses. Therefore, it is easy to understand that concerned religious leaders will always encourage adherents to choose political leaders who align with moral, faith-based principles. The reference to one who could “hear the words of the heavens” may well reflect a desire for righteous governance rather than explicit political endorsement.

The Federation’s statement that it “has not illegally sponsored a certain individual” suggests careful navigation within legal parameters. This phrasing acknowledges concern while not explicitly admitting wrongdoing.

In many societies, religious institutions have historically influenced civic life. Supporters may argue that encouraging morally aligned leadership is part of religious participation in societal well-being. This does not necessarily violate laws if done transparently and without undue coercion or financial manipulation.

At present, these remain allegations from media and the special counsel’s ongoing probes – not legal findings. Supporters might stress the presumption of innocence and the need for robust evidence before drawing conclusions. The Federation has yet to be formally found in violation; investigations are ongoing.

As for the allegations of the religious organization being involved in bribery involving the former First Lady Kim Keon-hee, another media outlet – the Monthly Chosun – has effectively cleared the Family Federation of involvement. The magazine writes that the alleged bribes from a former leader of the Federation are about individual overreach, not institutional corruption. See Korean Bribery Scandal: Media Clears Federation

The Family Federation has faced intense scrutiny – from raids to travel bans – amid broader corruption probes involving former South Korean President Yoon’s inner circle and his wife, Kim Keon-hee. Critical voices perceive this as politically motivated targeting, given the Federation’s socio-political beliefs, rather than fair legal scrutiny. See Korean Faith Crackdown: USA Urged to Confront It

See also Religious Liberty Under Fire in South Korea

See also Special Message: Not Involved in Political Funds

See also Mike Pompeo Calls Probe of Co-Founder “Lawfare”

See also Critics Warn of “Authoritarian Drift” in SKorea

Text: Knut Holdhus, editor

Featured image above: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol at a meeting at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., April 27, 2023. DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Kubitza / Wikimedia Commons. License: CC Attr 2.0 Gen

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