The leader of the Unification Church, Han Hak-ja, is set to go on trial on Monday, facing allegations of bribing South Korea’s former first lady with luxury gifts, including a designer handbag and a diamond necklace.
Han, 82, was arrested in September, a move that sent shockwaves through the church, which claims to have 10 million followers globally and oversees a broad business empire. Known to congregants as the “holy mother”, she is also accused of providing illicit payments to a lawmaker connected to President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is currently embroiled in scandal.
In an earlier video message to her followers released in August, Han strongly rejected the accusations, stating that “false claims are being spread that our church provided illegal political funds on my orders,” adding, “I have never ordered any unlawful political request or monetary transaction.”
Han assumed control of the church after the death of her husband, Moon Sun-myung, who founded the organisation in 1954 after being rejected by mainstream Protestant institutions. Moon claimed to be the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, and the church—which has long maintained a rigid hierarchical structure—rose to international prominence in the 1970s and 1980s, becoming known for its large-scale wedding ceremonies held in stadiums.
The movement, sometimes labelled a cult, has frequently faced scrutiny over its fundraising methods and political connections. Over the years, it built a significant business network that includes ventures in construction, food, education, and media, including ownership of the Washington Times and Sunmoon University.
This year, Japan initiated legal proceedings to dissolve its domestic branch of the church after the gunman who assassinated former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe claimed to have acted out of resentment toward the organisation.
In the Seoul trial, prosecutors allege Han offered gifts valued at roughly 82 million won (RM231,200) to President Yoon’s wife, Kim Keon Hee, who is also under arrest for alleged bribery and stock manipulation. Han is further accused of orchestrating the payment of 100 million won to a People’s Party lawmaker in 2022 to seek political favour during Yoon’s presidential campaign.
A separate trial scheduled for December 9 will address additional charges against Han under the Political Parties Act. Prosecutors claim she directed over 2,000 church members to enlist in Yoon’s People Power Party ahead of an internal convention in an attempt to sway the results.
Han was temporarily released in November for eye surgery but has since returned to custody pending trial. She is currently seeking bail.
In a statement to AFP, the Unification Church said, “We explained to the court that the charges against Han differ from the facts, and fully detailed the health difficulties she faces due to her age and medical conditions. Proper treatment and recovery are essential for uncovering the truth.”
