South Korea’s New Conflict: Church vs. State

by Lauren Carpenter / ⠀News / August 8, 2025

Recent legal actions involving religious organizations in South Korea raise essential questions about due process and religious freedom, highlighting the need for transparency and fairness in democratic societies. On July 18, 2025, South Korean prosecutors raided multiple Family Federation facilities. They entered the private residence of Dr. Hak Ja Han, known lovingly worldwide as Holy Mother Han, the Mother of Peace, and the most prominent female spiritual leader on the planet. Over 1,000 agents surrounded the property. Without warning, they entered sacred spaces revered by believers worldwide. While there was ultimately no indictment or even charges levied against her, the unwelcome intrusion into the sanctuary caused much controversy.

Who Is Dr. Hak Ja Han?

Dr. Hak Ja Han has spoken at the United Nations, launched peace summits across every continent, and worked with leaders in over 190 countries to help families heal. Today, she is working boldly to reunify the Korean peninsula, a vision that she believes transcends politics and borders. Yet, in light of the recent raid upon the Family Federation facilities, many have questioned whether this mission might have contributed to why Dr. Hak Ja Han has faced such political pressure. Her peacebuilding and humanitarian work have led to a greater interest in the case and all the more reason for public concern over the nature of the investigation. Despite all of this, her case is far from the only one.

Other Incidents

The same week, prosecutors raided Yoido Full Gospel Church, Korea’s largest Pentecostal congregation, and Far East Broadcasting, a major Christian media outlet. Although no official indictments or convictions were made, these churches’ leaders were publicly humiliated by these actions. These trends feed into larger issues, which have only become exacerbated in the recent political climate. The government’s role is to investigate potential misconduct, which many argue is what the special prosecutor’s office in Korea is doing. However, others contend that upholding civil liberties and the presumption of innocence are equally important, if not more so. “While specific members who caused problems should be investigated, it is unacceptable to label the religious organization and its leaders as a criminal group without clear evidence,” said Massimo Introvigne, President of the World Council of Religions for Peace.

Broadening International Concern

International concerns surrounding these incidents are steadily growing. In 2024, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom sent a delegation to Seoul, while Human Rights Watch highlighted a broader erosion of civil liberties, including on protest and minority rights. Even Korea’s Human Rights Commission has called for protecting religious freedom as a cornerstone of democracy. Introvigne additionally notes that governments often use the label ‘cult’ to justify regulation and suppression, a tactic that international courts have repeatedly criticized as discriminatory and unlawful. South Korea was once admired globally for its cultural innovation, but the region now risks becoming defined by political turmoil.

Notable Global Similarities

However, it’s crucial to note that Korea is far from alone in this regard. The country’s conflicts appear to be part of a larger pattern that extends across democracies. In many ways, these tactics resemble the strategy that was employed in Japan after the assassination of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The results of this effort were ultimately the scapegoating of an entire religious movement, which left a social stigma long after the events had left the headlines. Dr. Hwangbo recently warned, “We are seeing the same judicial proceedings and attack methods against the Family Federation that were mainly conducted in Japan now being carried out in Korea. It appears that Korea’s new government is also oppressing the Family Federation and other religions.”

The Family Federation’s Response

“I do not speak today just as a pastor,” said Dr. Demian Dunkley. “I speak as a son. As a man of faith. As someone who believes truth, however inconvenient, still matters. We stand with Holy Mother Han, not because she is accused, but because we know her character, record, and truth. So we say to the world: Watch Korea closely. The way a nation treats its faithful is a mirror of its future.” Dr. Demian Dunkley is the Chairman and President of Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) USA. Driven by a deep commitment to fostering global unity and peace, he brings over two decades of international leadership experience to his role. Until now, the Family Federation’s response has been notably restrained, as the church and its leaders have fully cooperated with the government raids. The initial inquiry that started much of this centered around a former church official accused of offering gifts to a former First Lady. While this would seem valid to the government’s efforts, the church must answer every inquiry and follow every rule involving these efforts from the outset. It has done nothing that would necessitate such authoritative escalation. Despite the group’s compliance, they have been regularly targeted by raids, leaks, and travel bans ever since. Beyond the literal inconveniences these factors cause in people’s daily lives, they also have a much larger social effect of stigmatizing the church itself in the eyes of the public, whether the effort is intentional or not.

Pressing Developments

A recent raid of Cheongpyeong resulted in government agents entering the holy space of Mother’s room and interrupting service, which shocked many members. Notably, the media picked up on this story, accusing churchgoers of attempting to block the police’s entry. However, the reality of the situation was later revealed: worshippers gathered around the church walls as the raid unfolded, sang hymns, and prayed together. Despite this, these initial stories have only served to further sour the public’s perception of the church and its people.

Legal Response

Under Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, everyone has the right to believe, worship, and live according to conscience, “either alone or in community with others.” Many citizens, worshippers, and non-worshippers contend that these raids violated these rights. As government action against churches becomes more commonplace across Korea and numerous other countries, many have been left to wonder when legal repercussions for these actions will follow. To this end, open discussions between religious communities, civil society, and the government are needed to ensure justice and harmony.

About The Author

Lauren Carpenter

Educator. Writer. Editor. Proofreader. Lauren Carpenter's vast career and academic experiences have strengthened her conviction in the power of words. She has developed content for a globally recognized real estate corporation, as well as respected magazines like Virginia Living Magazine and Southern Review of Books.

South Korea’s New Conflict: Church vs. State

Who Is Dr. Hak Ja Han?

Other Incidents

Broadening International Concern

Notable Global Similarities

The Family Federation’s Response

Pressing Developments

Legal Response

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