South Korean court jails Unification Church leader in political influence case

A South Korean court sentenced Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja to two years in prison after finding her involved in political funding and the delivery of luxury gifts to former first lady Kim Keon Hee. The case examined efforts to build influence during former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s administration.

The Seoul Central District Court imposed one year for violating the Political Funds Act. The charge included involvement in providing 100 million won to a ruling-party lawmaker before the 2022 presidential election. The court imposed another year for helping provide luxury goods, including Chanel bags and a diamond necklace, to Kim through an intermediary.

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The crimes were committed to use the Unification Church's financial power to support a favourable candidate in the 20th presidential election, seen as an important opportunity to expand the church's influence, and, when that candidate was elected, to obtain support for church policies and continuously secure political influence.

Judge said the church used its financial power to support a favorable candidate and then seek backing for its policies after that candidate won. Prosecutors had sought a combined 13-year sentence, describing the alleged conduct as an unlawful alliance between religion and politics that damaged representative democracy.

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I do not seek power with money.

Han, 83, denied the charges. She said she had no political interest and that subordinates acted without her knowledge. She argued that contacts with politicians and the provision of money and gifts came from a former church official acting on personal political ambitions. Known to followers as “True Mother,” Han apologized for causing concern but said, “I do not seek power with money.”

Han appeared in court in a wheelchair and is not currently detained. Her lawyers secured a health-related suspension of detention that expires on Wednesday. The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification rejected the ruling and said it would appeal, stating, “We find it impossible to accept the court’s judgment that President Han Hak-ja directed the acts in question or recognised and approved their illegal purpose.”

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We find it impossible to accept the court's judgment that President Han Hak-ja directed the acts in question or recognised and approved their illegal purpose.