Hak Ja Han, the 83-year-old leader of the Unification Church, was sentenced to two years in prison by the Seoul Central District Court on Monday for political fund violations, bribery, and embezzlement, according to court statements reported by the Associated Press and Chosun. According to investigators, Han colluded with church officials to provide luxury goods to former first lady Kim Keon Hee and handed 100 million won to a ruling-party lawmaker in pursuit of political favors.
Seoul Central District Court Convicts Unification Church Leader Han Hak-ja
According to the Seoul Central District Court, the 27th Criminal Division presided over the trial and sentenced Han to one year for violating the Political Funds Act and another year for violating the Improper Solicitations Act alongside business embezzlement. Special prosecutor Min Joong-ki’s team had previously requested a 13-year prison term for Han, who is revered by her followers as the “True Mother.”
Court records show that the charges stem from transactions executed ahead of and during the administration of ousted conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol. Prosecutors established that Han instructed former chief of staff Jeong Won-joo to retrieve 100 million won from her private quarters in January 2022. That cash was then packaged and delivered to Kweon Seong-dong, a close Yoon loyalist and lawmaker, according to the court ruling reported by Chosun.
Two-Track Lobbying and Luxury Goods Sent to Former First Lady Kim Keon Hee
According to the Chosun and AP reports, the court found that Han and her subordinates utilized a “two-track” approach to lobby for Unification Church projects. Former global headquarters director Yun Young-ho, acting with Han’s approval, purchased luxury items including Chanel bags and necklaces during morning assemblies. Lee, the finance department head and Yun’s spouse, procured the necklaces knowing they were designated gifts for the first lady, according to court findings.
These luxury goods were subsequently delivered through aides of then-President Yoon to Kim Keon Hee. Earlier this year, an appeals court sentenced Kim to four years in prison for receiving a Graff diamond necklace and two Chanel bags from the Unification Church, as well as unrelated stock price manipulation charges, as reported by the AP.
Sentencing Breakdown for Church Officials and Legal Fallout
Alongside Han’s sentence, the Seoul court handed down rulings for other key figures involved in the conspiracy. Jeong Won-joo received an eight-month prison sentence suspended for two years. Yun Young-ho was sentenced to six months in prison, while Lee received a six-month sentence suspended for one year, according to Chosun. In a separate judicial proceeding cited by the AP, Kweon Seong-dong received a two-year sentence at South Korea’s Supreme Court in July.
Despite Monday’s verdict, Han was not immediately re-incarcerated. The Seoul court had previously accepted her request to suspend her arrest until September 2 due to ongoing health issues, leaving her hospitalized under suspended detention while she prepares an appeal.
In an official statement released on Monday, the Unification Church apologized for causing “big concerns and disappointment to the people,” but added that it cannot accept the ruling against Han and will pursue an appeal to contest the factual and legal conclusions of the first-instance trial.
Broader Political Turmoil and the Legacy of Sun Myung Moon
The corruption probe targeting the Unification Church—officially named the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification—unfolded in the wake of South Korea’s broader political crisis. Investigations began after the Constitutional Court removed Yoon Suk Yeol from office in April 2025 following his brief imposition of martial law in December 2024. Yoon was subsequently sentenced to life in prison for rebellion in February, opening the door for liberal successor Lee Jae Myung to appoint special prosecutors.
Founded in 1954 by Sun Myung Moon—who died in 2012 at age 92—the international movement built extensive business interests and gained global renown for its mass weddings. However, the organization’s international standing has faced severe legal pressures. In Japan, a Tokyo court ordered the revocation of the church’s legal status last year following government accusations of manipulative fundraising tactics. That judicial action followed the 2022 assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whose killer stated he targeted Abe over the politician’s ties to the Unification Church.
Did you know? The Unification Church was founded in 1954 by Sun Myung Moon, who preached new interpretations of the Bible and conservative family values, eventually expanding the movement into an international movement with extensive business interests worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Hak Ja Han?
Hak Ja Han is the 83-year-old leader of the Unification Church and the widow of church founder Sun Myung Moon. Followers revere her as the “True Mother.”
Why was Hak Ja Han sentenced to prison?
According to the Seoul Central District Court, Han was convicted of violating the Political Funds Act, bribery, and embezzling church funds after conspiring to funnel money and luxury goods to political figures, including former first lady Kim Keon Hee.
What is the connection between the Unification Church scandal and former President Yoon Suk Yeol?
Investigations into church corruption began after Yoon was ousted from the presidency following his martial law declaration in December 2024, leading to special prosecutor probes into illicit lobbying and political funding.
How has the Unification Church responded to the ruling?
The Unification Church issued a statement apologizing to the public for causing concern, but stated it rejects the court’s verdict and plans to appeal the decision.
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