Unification Church Leader Hak Ja Han Arrested in South Korea on Bribery and Embezzlement Charges
SEOUL, October 14, 2025 —
Hak Ja Han, the 82-year-old leader of South Korea’s Unification Church, was arrested early Tuesday on charges of bribery and embezzlement following a court order from the Seoul Central District Court.
Investigators allege that Han and her organization, officially known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, attempted to bribe Kim Keon Hee, the wife of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, as well as conservative lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong, in an effort to secure political favors during Yoon’s presidency.
Luxury Gifts and Cash Payments Under Investigation
According to prosecutors, Han’s church delivered luxury gifts—including two Chanel handbags and a diamond necklace valued at around 80 million won (USD 57,900)—to Kim Keon Hee. Authorities also accuse Han of conspiring with a former church official in 2022 to transfer 100 million won to MP Kweon Seong-dong.
Prosecutors believe these payments were intended to win political support and protect the church’s interests if Yoon won the 2022 presidential election, which he later did. Han has denied the allegations, claiming that the former church official acted independently without her authorization.
Court Hearing and Arrest
Han appeared before the Seoul Central District Court on Monday for a lengthy hearing but declined to answer questions from reporters about the case. The following day, the court approved an arrest warrant on four counts, including embezzlement and graft, citing concerns that she could tamper with evidence or attempt to flee.
Her aide, Jung Wonju, faced similar charges but was not detained due to insufficient evidence, according to UPI. Han was questioned again on Wednesday for over four hours by a team led by special prosecutor Min Joong-ki, The Korea Times reported.
Church Responds to Arrest
Following the arrest, the Unification Church released a statement expressing respect for the court’s decision and pledging to cooperate fully with the investigation. “We will work to establish the truth and restore trust in our church,” the statement read.
The church had previously opposed Han’s arrest, citing her age and health concerns, Associated Press reported.
Broader Political Fallout
The investigation forms part of a broader set of corruption probes targeting figures from the administration of impeached former president Yoon Suk Yeol.
Yoon’s wife, Kim Keon Hee, was herself arrested in August on charges of stock manipulation and bribery. Her case is one of three special investigations initiated under current President Lee Jae Myung, which also examine Yoon’s alleged attempt to impose martial law in December 2024—an event that led to his impeachment and imprisonment—and accusations that his government interfered in a military drowning case in 2023.
Meanwhile, Kweon Seong-dong, a senior member of the People Power Party and a close ally of Yoon, was arrested last week, The Guardian reported. Investigators also raided the party’s headquarters to gather evidence suggesting that the Unification Church encouraged members to vote for Kweon during the 2023 party leadership election. Both Kweon and Kim Keon Hee have denied any wrongdoing.
About the Unification Church
Hak Ja Han assumed leadership of the Unification Church after the death of her husband, Sun Myung Moon, in 2012. Founded in 1954, the movement is known for its mass wedding ceremonies and vast business interests spanning media, construction, healthcare, and finance.
The church has long been controversial both in South Korea and abroad, facing accusations of cult-like behavior and political influence operations. Han’s arrest marks one of the most serious legal challenges in its 70-year history.
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