Han Hak-ja, the 82-year-old leader of the Unification Church, was arrested in South Korea on Tuesday over bribery allegations involving former first lady Kim Keon Hee and a prominent lawmaker.
According to prosecutors, Han is accused of orchestrating luxury gifts, including a designer handbag and a diamond necklace, delivered to Kim in 2022 in a bid to secure favour with her husband, President Yoon Suk Yeol, who had just assumed office. She also allegedly bribed a lawmaker with 100 million won (about $72,000).
The Seoul Central District Court approved Han’s arrest warrant, citing a risk of evidence tampering. She was subsequently taken into custody at the Seoul Detention Center. Han had denied the accusations after nine hours of questioning last week, insisting, “Why would I have done that?”
The arrest marks a significant blow to the controversial church, founded in 1954 by Han’s late husband, Moon Sun-myung, who claimed to be the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Derisively known as the “Moonies,” the church has been criticized for its cult-like practices but maintains global influence with ventures in media, tourism, and food distribution.
In a statement, the church said it “humbly accepts the court’s decision” and pledged to “sincerely cooperate with the ongoing investigation and trial procedures.” The organization also apologized for the scandal, vowing to use the crisis as “an opportunity to restore trust.”
Han has led the church since Moon’s death in 2012 and has overseen its expansion, including its signature mass wedding ceremonies that draw thousands of followers worldwide.
Meanwhile, the former first lady, Kim Keon Hee, is facing charges of bribery and stock market manipulation. Her husband, President Yoon, is also in custody and currently standing trial over his controversial declaration of martial law last December.
What you should know
Han Hak-ja’s arrest underscores the intersection of religion, politics, and power in South Korea. The scandal not only implicates the Unification Church’s leadership but also extends to the country’s highest political office, with both the former first lady and President Yoon entangled in legal battles.
The case has sparked intense debate about the influence of religious organizations in governance and the fragility of public trust.
