Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja sentenced to two years for bribing South Korea's former first lady

A Seoul court found that Han Hak-ja's church gave Kim Keon Hee, the wife of ousted president Yoon Suk Yeol, two Chanel bags and a diamond necklace worth a combined 80 million won ($57,900; £42,500). The gifts were delivered between April and July 2022 in exchange for business and political favours, according to a special counsel team appointed to the case.

Earlier this year, Kim was sentenced to 20 months in jail for accepting the bribes. She admitted to receiving the Chanel bags but said she returned them unused. When she appeared for questioning last August, she issued a public apology, saying: "I am truly sorry that a nobody like me has caused concern to the people."

Han, the widow of church founder Sun Myung Moon, had repeatedly denied the allegations, calling them false. Prosecutors released photos of $19 million (£14 million) worth of cash found in Han's personal safe, which they said underscored the scale of the church's financial operations.

The Unification Church, formally known as The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, was founded in South Korea in the 1950s by Sun Myung Moon, who proclaimed himself the messiah. The church is best known for its mass weddings, where thousands of couples were married by Han and her late husband. Critics have described the group as cult-like, and lawyers have accused it of coercing devotees, often called 'Moonies' by detractors, to donate large sums of money.

Why This Matters

The conviction of a major religious leader for political bribery highlights the intersection of faith, money, and influence in South Korea, a country with a history of corruption scandals involving political elites.
The case weakens the Unification Church's global reputation and could lead to further scrutiny of its financial practices and the treatment of its followers.
The sentencing of both the former first lady and the church leader signals a judicial willingness to hold powerful figures accountable, though appeals are likely.

Background

The Unification Church, founded by Sun Myung Moon in the 1950s, grew into a global religious movement known for its mass wedding ceremonies and conservative political stances. Moon and his wife Han Hak-ja led the church for decades, building a network of businesses and media outlets. Critics have long accused the church of cult-like practices, including pressuring members to donate large sums of money. The church's involvement in South Korean politics, while long suspected, was formally confirmed through this investigation, which uncovered evidence of direct bribery of a first lady.

Key Perspectives

Prosecutors and Special Counsel: The conviction is a landmark step, proving the church attempted to buy political influence. The $19 million cash found in Han's safe illustrates the church's vast resources and potential for corruption. The Unification Church and Supporters: Han Hak-ja has denied the allegations, and supporters may view the sentence as religious persecution. The church has not issued a formal statement, but its lawyers have previously argued the case lacked evidence. Critics and Former Members: The sentence is seen as justice for years of financial exploitation and undue political influence. Critics argue the church's wealth came from coercing donations, and the bribery scandal is just the tip of the iceberg.

What to Watch

Han Hak-ja's likely appeal; the case could reach South Korea's Supreme Court, prolonging legal proceedings.
Whether the special counsel expands its investigation into other church-linked political figures or businesses.
The Unification Church's response and potential impact on its global operations and membership.

ZOTPAPER