South Korean authorities launched an investigation into a controversial church amid allegations it mobilised followers to influence recent elections.

Police and prosecutors raided the headquarters of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus in Gyeonggi province on Friday, according to KBS, after search and seizure warrants were issued citing suspected breaches of the Political Parties Act and laws related to business interference.

The investigation centred on church founder Lee Man Hee, who was accused of pressuring church members to join the People Power Party of former president Yoon Suk Yeol and support it during the 2021 presidential election and the 2024 general election.

Investigators examined claims that large numbers of Shincheonji members were encouraged to enlist as party members in a coordinated manner, potentially affecting internal party votes, leadership contests and candidate selection processes.

South Korean media reported that former Shincheonji executives and officials had already been questioned as part of the inquiry.

Shincheonji denied the allegations. In a statement, the church said there was no evidence it had ordered members to join any political party or engage in political activity, adding that “organisational involvement in elections is structurally and practically impossible”.

Authorities had not said when the investigation would conclude or whether charges would follow.