Police investigating allegations of cash payments from the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (Unification Church) to politicians continued their probe on Christmas Day, Wednesday.
Investigators have obtained an internal church document titled "TM (True Mother) Special Report" that reportedly names multiple political figures, and are now working to establish evidence against those involved.
The National Police Agency's special investigation team secured the document, which was prepared by church executives including former World Headquarters Director Yoon Young-ho—considered a key figure in the bribery allegations—to report internal matters to Unification Church President Han Hak-ja. "TM" refers to Han, who is called "True Mother" within the church.
The document spans 18,360 pages in manuscript paper equivalent, covering the period from August 2017 to March 2023. Police suspect it contains details of various lobbying activities involving political figures.
The TM document reportedly mentions multiple politicians who are now under police investigation for allegedly receiving Bulgari watches and tens of millions of won in cash from the church between 2018 and 2020. Those named include former Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Jeon Jae-soo, former Democratic Party lawmaker Lim Jong-seong, and former United Future Party lawmaker Kim Kyu-hwan.
Former Minister Jeon is mentioned seven times, former lawmaker Lim 19 times, and former lawmaker Kim 29 times, according to sources. The sections mentioning these individuals also reportedly include names of other political figures, along with subjective assessments such as describing someone as "the closest confidant among President Moon Jae-in's confidants."
The document also details specific dates, times, and locations of church-related events, reporting on whether certain individuals delivered congratulatory remarks or provided verbal cooperation. Police are particularly focused on a July 2019 entry at 2 p.m. that reads "TM Schedule: Lawmaker Jeon Jae-soo."
Numerous references to former lawmaker Lim were also found. Song Kwang-seok, former chairman of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), who allegedly served as a bridge between the church and politicians, underwent 14 hours of intensive questioning after appearing before police on Tuesday. An October 2017 report shows Song mentioned former lawmaker Lim, stating he had met Lim in Taiwan and "had time to receive education on the activities and vision of the True Parents."
The report also noted that Lim was a member of the Land, Infrastructure, and Transport Committee at the time, adding that he would help with the construction of Cheonwon Complex (Cheonwon Palace).
However, those implicated are denying the allegations, claiming the document contains exaggerated content written as part of a "loyalty competition" to impress President Han. Former Minister Jeon stated when appearing before police on December 19, "There was absolutely no illegal receipt of money or gifts from the Unification Church." Former lawmaker Lim also explained that church officials included exaggerated content to inflate their achievements.
