In a significant development, South Korea has arrested Han Hak-ja, the leader of the controversial Unification Church, over serious allegations involving bribery. The church is accused of offering gifts to Kim Keon Hee, the former first lady and wife of ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol, in exchange for both business and political favors. The gifts reportedly included two Chanel bags and a diamond necklace, with a total value of 80 million won (approximately $57,900 or £42,500).
Han, who is 82 years old and the widow of the church's founder, Sun Myung Moon, has vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them as false. In a statement released on Tuesday, the Unification Church expressed its commitment to cooperate with the authorities and stated its intention to use this situation as an opportunity to regain public trust. The church also issued an apology for any distress it may have caused the public.
Prosecutors have sought an arrest warrant for Han on multiple charges, including improper solicitation, graft, and occupational embezzlement. During a court appearance on Monday, Han firmly rejected all charges, asserting that she has no interest in or knowledge of politics. Her legal team argued against the arrest, highlighting her age and deteriorating health as significant factors.
Further complicating matters, Han is accused of colluding with a former church official, known only by the surname Yun, to offer 100 million won in bribes to conservative lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong. This alleged exchange was intended to secure favors for the church in the event that Yoon Suk Yeol won the 2022 presidential election, which he ultimately did. Kweon, once considered a close associate of Yoon, was arrested last Wednesday but has denied any wrongdoing.
The Unification Church has attempted to distance itself from the allegations involving both Kim and Kweon, placing the blame on the former church official, who has since been arrested. In a related development, Kim Keon Hee was indicted last month on various charges, including bribery and stock manipulation, which she also denies. Her trial commenced this week, marking a historic moment as it is the first time in South Korea's history that both a former president and a first lady have faced imprisonment.
The Unification Church, officially known as The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, was founded in South Korea during the 1950s by Sun Myung Moon, who claimed to be the messiah. The church is notorious for its mass wedding ceremonies, which involve thousands of couples, often matched by the church itself just prior to the events. Critics of the church have labeled it as cult-like, with allegations that it coerces its followers—colloquially known as Moonies—to contribute substantial sums of money.
Recently, the Unification Church has faced increased scrutiny, especially in Japan, following the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The alleged assassin attributed his family's financial ruin to the church and expressed grievances against Abe for his perceived support of the organization. The church has faced bans in various countries, including Singapore, and has been ordered to dissolve in Japan.
