Moonies church leader arrested over gifts to ex-South Korean first lady

Prosecutors in South Korea have arrested Han Hak-ja, the longtime leader of the Unification Church, on four charges including improper solicitation, graft and occupational embezzlement, over allegations the church bribed former first lady Kim Keon-hee in exchange for business and political favors. Authorities say the gifts included two Chanel bags and a diamond necklace valued at about 80 million won, with prosecutors contending the gifts were part of a broader effort to secure influence ahead of decision-making that could benefit the church and its allies.

Han, the 82-year-old widow of the church’s founder, Sun Myung Moon, has denied the charges, telling the court she has neither an interest in nor knowledge about politics. In a public appearance after the proceedings, she rejected the accusations and her lawyers highlighted her age and health as reasons against arrest. The Unification Church said it would “faithfully engage” with authorities and “do [its] best to use this as an occasion to restore trust in our church,” adding an apology for “causing concern to the people.” Prosecutors had sought an arrest warrant on four charges, including improper solicitation, graft and occupational embezzlement.

Beyond the Kim case, prosecutors allege Han conspired with a former church official, surnamed Yun, to offer 100 million won in bribes to conservative lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong ahead of the 2022 presidential election, in exchange for favors for the church if Yoon Suk Yeol won the election. Kweon, once seen as a close confidant of Yoon, was arrested last week and denies accepting bribes. The church has since attributed the misconduct to the former official, saying he acted alone in offering the gifts.

Kim Keon-hee, who is Yoon’s wife, was indicted last month on charges including bribery and stock manipulation, which she denies. Her trial began this week, underscoring a rare moment in which both a former president and former first lady have faced serious legal scrutiny in South Korea. President Yoon Suk Yeol was detained earlier this year in January and faces a separate trial over a failed martial-law bid last year that sparked political chaos and led to impeachment proceedings against him.

The Unification Church — formally The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification — was founded in South Korea in the 1950s by Moon Sun-myung, who claimed to be the Messiah. The church is best known for holding mass weddings involving thousands of couples, a practice that has drawn both attention and criticism. Critics have described the group as cult-like and have accused followers of coercive fundraising practices. The church has faced scrutiny beyond Korea, including a notable focus in Japan after the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, with the group blamed by some for financial hardship within those connected to it; Singapore has banned the organization, and Japan has taken steps toward dissolution in certain contexts. The church has repeatedly defended itself, noting the role of volunteers and charity programs and insisting it adheres to legal norms.

The ongoing investigations and indictments reflect a broader tension in South Korea over the influence of religious groups in politics and business, and they come amid a series of high-profile legal actions involving figures linked to the former administration and the church. Officials say they will continue to pursue all relevant leads, including any evidence of pressure or preferential treatment tied to political appointments or business opportunities, and will disclose findings as cases progress.