Unification Church Leader Arrested for Corruption in South Korea

The leader of the Unification Church, Han Hak-ja, was arrested on charges of corruption in South Korea on October 3, 2023. Authorities accuse her of providing illegal political funds and bribing Kim Keon Hee, the wife of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached and removed from office earlier this year. Following a court order issued in the capital, Seoul, Han is currently detained in a facility south of the city. The court expressed concerns that her release could lead to the destruction of crucial evidence pertaining to the allegations.

Han, aged 82, has been known as “True Mother” to her followers since the death of her husband, Sun Myung Moon, in 2012. Under her leadership, the Unification Church has remained relatively obscure in South Korea, a nation familiar with various influential religious figures embroiled in scandals. However, the church attracted significant media attention this year due to ongoing investigations involving Kim, who is facing serious allegations.

The political landscape in South Korea has been tumultuous since the December 2022 declaration of martial law by Yoon, which he positioned as a measure against his political adversaries. His presidency came to an end in April 2023 when he was impeached by the opposition-controlled National Assembly and is currently undergoing a trial on insurrection charges.

The allegations against Kim Keon Hee include accepting valuable gifts, such as a diamond necklace and two Chanel bags, from a senior member of the Unification Church shortly after Yoon’s election in 2022. This official has since distanced himself from the church and was also arrested in connection with the case. Additionally, a self-proclaimed religious guru has been implicated as an intermediary between the church official and Kim.

This series of events has brought to light the complex intertwining of politics and religion in South Korea, raising questions about the influence of religious organizations on political affairs. The legal troubles for both Han and Kim, alongside the political fate of Yoon, highlight the ongoing instability in the region’s governance and civil society.

As investigations continue, the implications of these arrests may extend beyond individual accountability, potentially reshaping the public’s perception of the Unification Church and its role in South Korean politics.