Unification Church leader arrested in South Korean ex-first lady bribery case

The Unification Church leader in South Korea has been taken into custody on allegations of bribery concerning luxury items given to the former first lady of the country. Han Hak-ja, the 82-year-old leader, faced an arrest warrant due to concerns of possible evidence tampering, according to a statement from Seoul’s prosecution office.

Han was accused of instructing the church to provide bribes to Kim Keon Hee, the spouse of ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol, in exchange for favors related to the church’s business dealings. However, Han vehemently denied these accusations, labeling them as misinformation.

Following the issuance of the arrest warrant, Han was detained in the custody of Seoul Detention Centre. The Unification Church released a statement expressing their acceptance of the court’s decision and their commitment to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation and trial processes to unveil the truth. They expressed regret for the distress caused by the situation.

One of the allegations against Han involves directing her staff to deliver expensive gifts to Kim as a way to gain favor with the former head of state. Additionally, she is facing claims of bribing a prominent member of parliament with a sum of 100 million won ($72,000).

As the widow of the Unification Church’s founder, Sun Myung Moon, who passed away in 2012, Han is affectionately known as “True Mother” among her followers. The church, established in 1954, has been a subject of controversy and criticism over the years. Often described as having a cult-like atmosphere, members are sometimes derogatorily referred to as “Moonies”. The core teachings of the church revolve around Moon being viewed as the second coming of Jesus Christ, with practices such as mass weddings being conducted.

The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, as the church is officially named, boasts a global following and has control over various businesses spanning construction, healthcare, media, and other sectors. Meanwhile, former first lady Kim is facing her own legal troubles, having been arrested on charges related to bribery and stock market manipulation. Her husband, ex-leader Yoon, is also under custody and undergoing trial for declaring martial law in December.

The developments surrounding the Unification Church leader and the bribery allegations involving the former first lady have put a spotlight on a complex web of accusations and legal proceedings that have engulfed key figures in South Korea’s political and religious landscape.