Han Hak-ja has consistently refuted bribery accusations involving a former first lady.
Published On 22 Sep 2025
Han Hak-ja, the head of South Korea’s contentious Unification Church, appeared at a court session as authorities consider issuing an arrest warrant related to corruption charges tied to former first lady Kim Keon Hee.
On Monday, Han arrived at the Seoul Central District Court in a wheelchair and refrained from responding to reporters’ inquiries about the bribery accusations during the hearing.
Allegations claim that Han collaborated with a previous church official to funnel 100 million won (approximately $72,400) to People Power Party lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong in 2022. This payment was purportedly intended to secure political favors for the church contingent on Yoon Suk-yeol’s successful presidential campaign that year.
Additionally, Han is suspected of misappropriating church funds to provide extravagant gifts, including designer handbags and a necklace, to Kim, Yoon’s spouse, as part of efforts to curry favor.
Should the court greenlight the warrant, Han faces incarceration.
Simultaneously, a special prosecutor is probing claims that Han orchestrated these bribes alongside the former first lady to advance the church’s commercial interests.
Han has denied all accusations regarding the transfer of luxury items to Kim, who remains in custody.
The court’s ruling is anticipated either later Monday or early Tuesday.
Known among adherents as “True Mother,” Han is the widow of Moon Sun-myung, the church’s founder who passed away in 2012. Established in 1954, the Unification Church has frequently been embroiled in controversy and public scrutiny.
The organization maintains a cult-like atmosphere, with followers often pejoratively labeled as “Moonies.” Its doctrine centers on Moon’s claim as the second coming of Jesus Christ and is notable for conducting mass wedding ceremonies.
Officially named the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, the church boasts a global membership and holds stakes in various industries, including construction, healthcare, and media.
Meanwhile, Kim, currently detained, is slated to face trial this week on corruption charges stemming from her husband’s brief presidency.
She has also denied all allegations, including those concerning gifts from the church.
Yoon was removed from office in April following impeachment over a failed martial law declaration last December aimed at quelling political dissent. He is detained and undergoing a separate trial on insurrection charges.
