**Moonies Church Leader Sentenced to Two Years for Bribery Offences**
Seoul, South Korea – Han Hak-ja, the leader of the controversial Unification Church, has been sentenced to two years in prison for her involvement in bribery offences, including providing luxury gifts to South Korea's former first lady, Kim Keon Hee. The ruling was delivered by a Seoul court, which found that Han's church had given Kim two Chanel bags and a diamond necklace, valued at approximately 80 million won (around $57,900 or £42,500), in exchange for political favours.
The court's decision follows a broader investigation into the church's political funding practices. A special counsel team revealed that Kim received these luxury items between April and July 2022. Prosecutors indicated that this case marks a significant moment in confirming the church's attempts to exert influence within South Korean politics. During the investigation, authorities discovered $19 million (£14 million) in cash stored in Han's personal safe, further highlighting the church's financial dealings.
Kim Keon Hee, the wife of ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol, had previously admitted to accepting the gifts but claimed she returned them unused. In a public apology during her questioning last August, she expressed remorse for the situation, stating, "I am truly sorry that a nobody like me has caused concern to the people." Earlier this year, Kim was sentenced to 20 months in prison for her role in accepting bribes from the Unification Church.
Han Hak-ja, 83, who is the widow of the church’s founder, Sun Myung Moon, has consistently denied the allegations against her, labeling them as "false." The Unification Church, formally known as The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, was established in South Korea in the 1950s by Sun Myung Moon, who claimed to be the messiah. The church is perhaps best known for its mass wedding ceremonies, where thousands of couples were wed by Han and her late husband.
The Unification Church has faced criticism over the years, with detractors describing it as "cult-like." Some former members and their families have accused the church of coercing devotees, often referred to as "Moonies," to contribute significant financial donations. This term, however, is considered derogatory by many within the church.
In recent years, the church has garnered international attention, particularly following the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The alleged assassin cited grievances against the church, claiming it had financially ruined his family, and blamed Abe for promoting the organization.
The Unification Church maintains extensive connections with political figures in South Korea, Japan, and the United States. Notably, various politicians, including former U.S. President Donald Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence, have previously sent video messages to congratulate the church on its initiatives.
Despite its influence, the Unification Church faces significant challenges, including bans in several countries, such as Singapore, and a dissolution order in Japan. The ongoing scrutiny of its practices and connections to political figures raises questions about the church's future and its role in both domestic and international contexts.
As the legal repercussions for Han Hak-ja unfold, the Unification Church's reputation continues to be tested, reflecting broader societal concerns regarding the intersection of religion and politics in South Korea.