South Korea court sentences Unification Church leader to jail in political influence case

A South Korean court handed Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja a two-year prison sentence on Monday for political funding and bribery offenses tied to attempts to influence former President Yoon Suk Yeol's administration. The Seoul Central District Court found Han, 83, involved in providing politicians with money and luxury items like Chanel bags to First Lady Kim Keon Hee, as reported by the ruling.

Han, leader of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, was indicted in October 2025 by a special prosecutor team investigating connections to Yoon and Kim. This case was one of several launched after Yoon's removal from office following his December 2024 declaration of martial law. Han received one year for violating the Political Funds Act by giving 100 million won to a lawmaker ahead of the 2022 presidential election, and an additional year for giving luxury goods to Kim through an intermediary.

The crimes were allegedly committed to use the Unification Church's financial power to support a favorable candidate in the 20th presidential election, aiming to expand the church's influence and secure political support post-election, according to the judge. Han denied the charges, claiming she had no political interest and that subordinates acted without her knowledge.

The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification plans to appeal, disputing the court's findings. Han, brought in a wheelchair and on health grounds, is not currently detained pending her appeal.