Unification Church Leader Han Hak-ja Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Bribery

Han Hak-ja, the leader of the Unification Church, has been sentenced to two years in prison by a South Korean court for political funding violations and bribing the nation's former first lady. The 83-year-old widow of church founder Sun Myung Moon had consistently denied the allegations, characterizing them as false.

Details of the Bribery Scheme

The court determined that the church provided Kim Keon Hee, the wife of ousted president Yoon Suk Yeol, with two Chanel handbags and a diamond necklace valued combined at 80 million won ($57,900; £42,500). According to a special counsel team appointed to investigate the case, the luxury items were given to Kim between April and July 2022 to secure political and business favors.

Earlier this year, Kim received a 20-month prison sentence for accepting bribes from the religious organization. While Kim acknowledged receiving the Chanel bags, she stated that she returned them unused. During questioning last August, Kim issued a public apology, stating she was deeply sorry for causing public concern. Prosecutors noted that the investigation marked the first official confirmation of the church's efforts to buy political influence, and authorities disclosed photographs showing $19 million (£14 million) in cash discovered inside Han's personal safe.

Background and Global Influence

Formally named The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, the Unification Church was established in South Korea during the 1950s by Sun Myung Moon, who declared himself a messiah. The organization gained global fame for hosting stadium-sized mass wedding ceremonies presided over by Moon and Han. Critics have often labeled the group as cult-like, and legal professionals have accused it of pressuring followers—colloquially termed "Moonies," a designation many members consider offensive—into donating substantial amounts of money.

The group has historically maintained extensive political ties in Washington, Tokyo, and Seoul. A 2021 church event featuring the launch of a new think tank received congratulatory video messages from prominent figures, including US President Donald Trump, former US Vice-President Mike Pence, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and the mayors of Busan and Seoul.

The organization has faced severe scrutiny internationally. In Japan, the group gained intense focus following the assassination of Shinzo Abe, whose alleged shooter held a grudge against the church for bankrupting his family and blamed Abe for endorsing it. Japan has since ordered the church to dissolve, while other jurisdictions, including Singapore, have banned the group entirely.