The short version
- Han Hak-ja was sentenced to two years in prison for bribery offenses involving gifts given to Kim Keon Hee, the wife of ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol.
- Prosecutors confirmed that luxury items worth approximately $57,900 were exchanged between April and July 2022 in return for political and business favors.
- The ruling establishes a legal precedent regarding the Unification Church's efforts to purchase influence, following earlier convictions of Kim Keon Hee for accepting the bribes.
Han Hak-ja, the leader of the Unification Church, has been sentenced to two years in prison by a South Korean court. The conviction stems from bribery charges related to gifts provided to Kim Keon Hee, the former first lady and wife of ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol. This sentencing concludes a significant legal chapter in a scandal that has exposed deep ties between religious organizations and political power structures in Seoul.
The court determined that Han’s organization provided Kim with two Chanel handbags and a diamond necklace. These items, valued at 80 million won, or roughly $57,900, were delivered between April and July 2022. Prosecutors argued that these luxury goods were not mere gestures of goodwill but were exchanged for specific business advantages and political favors. This marks the first time authorities have officially confirmed that the church attempted to purchase influence within the government.
Han, an 83-year-old widow of the group’s founder Sun Myung Moon, has consistently denied the allegations throughout the legal proceedings. She characterized the accusations as false during her appearances in court. Despite her denials, the special counsel team overseeing the case presented evidence linking the gifts to quid pro quo arrangements. The prosecution also released photographs showing $19 million in cash discovered in Han’s personal safe, further illustrating the financial resources available for such political maneuvering.
Kim Keon Hee was previously sentenced to 20 months in jail for accepting these bribes. During her questioning last August, she issued a public apology, expressing regret that her actions had caused concern among the public. While she admitted to receiving the Chanel bags, she claimed that she returned them without using them. Her admission and subsequent conviction provided a critical foundation for the charges against Han, establishing a clear chain of custody and intent regarding the illicit transfers.
The Unification Church, formally known as The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, was established in South Korea during the 1950s by Sun Myung Moon. Moon proclaimed himself to be the messiah, a claim that has drawn both devoted followers and intense criticism over the decades. The organization is widely recognized for its large-scale mass weddings, where thousands of couples are married simultaneously in stadium settings. These events have become a defining feature of the group’s public identity.
Critics frequently describe the organization as cult-like, accusing it of coercing members into making substantial financial donations. The colloquial term Moonies, derived from the founder’s surname, is used by detractors but is considered offensive by many adherents. Legal challenges have arisen in various jurisdictions, with lawyers alleging that the group exploits its devotees for monetary gain. These accusations have contributed to a contentious relationship between the church and civil society in multiple countries.
The group’s international footprint has been marked by controversy and political entanglements. It gained global attention following the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whose alleged attacker cited financial ruin caused by the church as his motive. The organization is banned in several regions, including Singapore, and has faced orders to dissolve in Japan. Despite these restrictions, it has maintained extensive connections with political figures in Seoul, Tokyo, and Washington.
High-profile politicians have historically engaged with the Unification Church, sending congratulatory messages to its events. In 2021, video greetings were sent by then-US President Donald Trump, former Vice-President Mike Pence, Shinzo Abe, and mayors of major South Korean cities like Seoul and Busan. These interactions highlight the group’s ability to cultivate relationships with powerful leaders across different political systems. The current sentencing underscores the growing scrutiny of such connections in an era of increased transparency demands.
The implications of this ruling extend beyond the immediate legal consequences for Han and Kim. It signals a shift in how South Korean authorities approach allegations of political corruption involving religious entities. By confirming the church’s attempt to buy influence, prosecutors have set a precedent that may encourage further investigations into similar networks. The case also raises questions about the oversight mechanisms governing interactions between public officials and private organizations.
As Han serves her sentence, the Unification Church faces renewed pressure to address allegations of misconduct. The exposure of cash reserves and luxury gifts has damaged its reputation among skeptics and regulators alike. Future developments will likely involve continued legal scrutiny and potential reforms in how political funding is monitored. The outcome of this case may influence public perception of religious-political alliances in South Korea and beyond.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗'Moonies' church leader jailed for two years over bribery offences
