Bribery Trial of Unification Church Leader Begins, Shaking South Korea’s Political and Religious Circles

Post by : Saif

The bribery trial of Han Hak-ja, the long-time leader of the Unification Church, began in Seoul on Monday and has already drawn massive public attention. Han, who is 82 years old, is accused of giving expensive gifts to former First Lady Kim Keon Hee in exchange for political and business favors. The case is part of a wide-reaching corruption investigation that has shaken South Korea’s political world and raised new questions about the power and influence of religious groups.

Prosecutors say Han tried to bribe Kim with luxury items, including two Chanel handbags, a diamond necklace, and wild ginseng. They claim these gifts were given to help the church secure support for certain projects and to strengthen its political ties. Kim has admitted she received the bags but insists there was no expectation of favors in return.

Authorities also accuse Han of giving cash to a close aide of former President Yoon Suk Yeol and helping Yoon win the 2022 presidential election by mobilizing church members. In return, prosecutors say, Han expected political support for the church’s activities. These accusations add another layer to the ongoing investigations surrounding Yoon and his wife, following the controversial martial law order he issued in late 2024.

Han arrived at the courtroom in a wheelchair, wearing a white mask, and strongly denied all allegations. She said the claims were “false information” and that any wrongdoing was carried out by a senior church official acting alone. Her lawyers supported this argument, saying the official was motivated by personal political ambition and did not inform Han about his activities.

Prosecutors, however, painted a very different picture. In court, one prosecutor showed a flowchart explaining the church’s internal structure and argued that Han held absolute control. “Not a single penny of illegal funds or lobbying can be moved without her approval,” the prosecutor said. They also accused her of misusing church donations, describing them as money collected through the “blood and sweat” of members who trusted the church.

The public interest in the trial was intense. Long lines formed outside the courtroom, and many people had to be sent to overflow rooms, while others watched the proceedings on screens from separate halls. Both supporters of Han and critics of the church filled the area, showing how divisive this case has become.

Han was released temporarily last month due to her health but was returned to detention soon after. She has once again requested bail, citing serious medical issues.

The Unification Church, now known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, has faced growing criticism worldwide in recent years. Many critics say the church behaves like a dangerous cult, questioning its financial transparency and methods of influencing followers. In Japan, a court recently ordered the church’s branch to be dissolved after a major scandal involving aggressive fundraising and its connection to the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

The trial in Seoul is expected to continue attracting national and international attention. For South Koreans, this case is not only about corruption but also about the complicated relationship between religion, politics, and power. As the court examines the evidence, the outcome may shape public trust in both the government and religious institutions for years to come.

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