South Korea revokes bail for Unification Church leader over secret headquarters visits

Seoul, November 3 - A South Korean court has stripped the bail of the leader of the Unification Church after footage surfaced of her visiting the secretive group's headquarters in violation of her release conditions. Han Hak-ja, aged 83, was handed a two-year prison sentence in August for providing luxury goods, including a designer handbag, to former first lady Kim Keon Hee while her husband Yoon Suk Yeol held the presidency, in an attempt to secure policy favors.

She was allowed bail two months later due to health concerns, under the condition of residing at a Seoul hospital. A report by local broadcaster JTBC, aired on Monday, showed Han being transported from the hospital to the Unification Church headquarters, also known as Cheonjeonggung Palace. This prompted a review of her bail status.

The Seoul High Court announced on Tuesday that Han's bail had been revoked and her bail bond forfeited, citing her visits to Cheonjeonggung Palace. The Unification Church, known for its extensive business interests and political ties, has faced scrutiny over its activities. Despite this, the church has denied any wrongdoing, stating that Han's outings were in line with medical advice and did not violate bail terms.

Established in 1954 by Han's late husband, Moon Sun-myung, the Unification Church has been controversial due to teachings that portray Moon as the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Han, whom church members refer to as the "True Mother," assumed leadership upon her husband's death in 2012. She was apprehended in September 2025 in connection with the bribery case involving Kim Keon Hee.

The Unification Church, claiming a global following of 10 million, is best recognized for its mass wedding ceremonies held at its headquarters in South Korea.