South Korea Hands Jail Term to Unification Church Leader

A South Korean court has sentenced the leader of the Unification Church, Han Hak-ja, to two years in prison for bribing officials, including the then-president's wife. Han, 83, was accused of offering luxury items, such as a designer handbag, to former first lady Kim Keon-hee while her husband, Yoon Suk-yeol, was serving as president, in an attempt to secure policy favors.

She arrived at her sentencing hearing in a wheelchair, dressed in pyjamas and a surgical mask, and was accompanied by aides. The Unification Church, which has significant business interests in media, education, and food distribution, has faced scrutiny over its political connections in South Korea. According to a church spokesman, Han has been sentenced to two years in prison, and the church plans to release a statement.

Additionally, Han is accused of providing illegal funds to a prominent lawmaker, Kweon Seon-dong. The Unification Church, founded in 1954 by Han's late husband Moon Sun-myung, has been controversial due to its teachings that regard Moon as the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Han, known as the "True Mother" by church members, assumed leadership after Moon's death in 2012.

She was arrested in September 2025 in connection with the bribery case involving former first lady Kim Keon-hee. The Unification Church, known for its mass wedding ceremonies, has around 10 million followers worldwide. Han's arrest has shaken the church, which claims to have global influence. Since her arrest, Han has been transferred between a detention center and a hospital for medical treatment.

The church has faced renewed criticism in Japan following the assassination of former prime minister Shinzo Abe in 2022, with the suspected gunman blaming the organization for his family's financial ruin.