Unification Church Leader Sentenced in South Korea
In a recent ruling by the Seoul Central District Court, Hak Ja Han, the 83-year-old leader of the Unification Church, was sentenced to two years imprisonment. The court found Han guilty of bribing Kim Keon Hee, the wife of former conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol, alongside other corruption charges including embezzlement of church funds.
Han, who is the widow of Sun Myung Moon, the founder of the Unification Church, was convicted of violating the political funds act. The charges stem from allegations that Han, in collaboration with church officials, provided Kim luxury items during Yoon’s presidency, seeking political favors. Additionally, Han was accused of giving 100 million won (approximately $73,000) to Kweon Seong-dong, a supporter of Yoon, prior to Yoon’s inauguration in May 2022.
Earlier in the year, Kim was sentenced to four years in prison by an appeals court for accepting luxury gifts from the Unification Church, as well as for unrelated charges of stock manipulation. In connection to Han’s case, a church official received a six-month prison sentence, while two others were given suspended terms. In July, Kwon was sentenced to two years by South Korea’s Supreme Court.
Repercussions for the Unification Church
Despite the court’s decision, Han remains out of prison due to a suspension of her arrest granted by the Seoul court on health grounds, which is valid until September 2. The prosecution, led by special prosecutor Min Joong-ki, had initially sought a 13-year sentence for Han.
Known as “True Mother” by her followers, Han leads the religious organization officially named the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification. The Unification Church issued a statement expressing regret for the distress caused, but it stated its intention to appeal the ruling against Han.
The church, established in 1954 by Sun Myung Moon, gained fame for its mass wedding ceremonies and advocates conservative family values. Moon, who passed away in 2012 at the age of 92, expanded the church into a global movement with significant business operations worldwide. In Japan, the church faced setbacks when a Tokyo court revoked its legal status due to allegations of manipulative fundraising and recruitment tactics. This decision followed the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2022, with the perpetrator claiming his actions were motivated by exposing Japanese political connections to the church.
Investigations Following Political Turmoil
The investigation into the scandal involving the Unification Church began after President Yoon’s removal from office. The Constitutional Court’s decision in April 2025 to oust Yoon followed his controversial imposition of martial law, which led to national unrest. Subsequently, liberal President Lee Jae Myung initiated inquiries into Yoon’s martial law declaration and other alleged misconduct during his tenure.
Yoon, who defended his imposition of martial law as an effort to combat opposition forces, was later sentenced to life imprisonment for rebellion related to this action. On December 3, 2024, Yoon had enforced martial law, deploying military and police to the National Assembly to counter “anti-state forces,” but was compelled to retract it within six hours after unanimous assembly opposition.
