South Korean prosecutors seek arrest of ‘Moonies’ leader in bribery investigation

South Korean prosecutors have taken steps to seek an arrest warrant for Han Hak-ja, who is the leader of the Unification Church, following allegations of bribery involving a former first lady. This decision was made soon after Han was questioned regarding her suspected involvement in bribing the former first lady, Kim Keon-hee, and conservative lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong.

In the midst of investigating Kim and her husband, former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who faced a removal from office after enforcing martial law, the request for Han’s arrest warrant was put forward by prosecutors. Prosecutor Park Sang-jin explained that the charges against her consisted of breaking the political funds act, anti-graft laws, encouraging evidence tampering, and embezzlement. Expressing concerns about the possibility of Han interfering with evidence, they believed it was necessary to request the warrant.

Despite the allegations, the Unification Church criticized the prosecutors’ efforts to arrest Han, asserting that she does not pose a flight risk, has not shown a threat of destroying evidence, and has been cooperative in the investigation, albeit facing health issues. Founded by Han’s deceased spouse in 1954, the Unification Church has been repeatedly mired in controversy and faced criticism, often being labeled as a cult known derogatorily as “Moonies”. Their teachings revolve around Moon’s identification as the Second Coming of Christ and include practices such as mass weddings. The church’s influence extends beyond religious matters, encompassing various industries like media, tourism, and food distribution. After Moon’s passing in 2012, Han assumed leadership.

Investigations indicated that Han allegedly ordered the delivery of opulent gifts consisting of a designer handbag and diamond necklace to Kim in 2022 in hopes of garnering favor with her spouse, who had been elected president the same year. Kim, along with her husband, faced legal ramifications – she was arrested and charged with bribery and stock market manipulation, while he was detained and tried for the ill-fated martial law declaration in December that led to his impeachment and removal from office in April.

Han also faces accusations of bribing Kweon with a substantial amount of money. A court in Seoul issued an arrest warrant for Kweon, fearing he might tamper with evidence. Throughout Han’s extended questioning, she denied any involvement in directing the alleged bribes, shifting blame to a former church official who has since been apprehended. The decision regarding the validity of the arrest warrant request for Han is expected to be reviewed by a Seoul court early next week.