On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, Han Hak-ja, the 82-year-old leader of the controversial Unification Church, was arrested in South Korea following allegations of bribery involving luxury gifts allegedly sent to former First Lady Kim Keon Hee and a prominent lawmaker. The arrest, confirmed by prosecutors, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing legal scrutiny of the church and its ties to South Korea’s political elite. The Seoul Central District Court issued an arrest warrant citing concerns that Han posed a risk of tampering with evidence, leading to her detention at the Seoul Detention Center.
The Seoul Central District Court’s decision to issue the warrant followed a rigorous nine-hour questioning session last week, during which Han was interrogated about her alleged role in orchestrating bribes to curry favor with influential political figures. According to prosecutors, Han is accused of ordering the delivery of luxury items, including a designer handbag and a diamond necklace, to Kim Keon Hee in 2022. These gifts were allegedly intended to secure the favor of Kim’s husband, President Yoon Suk Yeol, who assumed office that year. Additionally, Han faces accusations of bribing a prominent member of parliament with 100 million won (approximately US$72,000).
The allegations against Han are part of a broader scandal that has ensnared South Korea’s political establishment. Kim Keon Hee, the former First Lady, has already been arrested and indicted on charges of bribery and stock market manipulation. President Yoon Suk Yeol, meanwhile, is in custody and facing trial over his controversial declaration of martial law in December 2024, a move that sparked widespread protests and legal challenges. The arrest of Han Hak-ja, a figurehead of a globally influential religious organization, adds a new layer of complexity to this unfolding political and legal drama.
During her questioning, Han vehemently denied the allegations, reportedly asking, “Why would I have done that?” Her defense team has maintained her innocence, arguing that the accusations are baseless and part of a broader campaign to discredit the Unification Church. However, prosecutors have pressed forward, citing evidence that they claim points to a deliberate effort by Han to influence political figures through illicit means.
The Unification Church: A Controversial Legacy
To understand the significance of Han’s arrest, it is essential to examine the history and influence of the Unification Church, formally known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification. Founded in 1954 by Moon Sun-myung, the church has long been a polarizing presence in South Korea and beyond. Moon, who claimed to be the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, built a global religious movement that blended Christian theology with his own messianic vision. The church’s followers, often referred to as “Moonies” (a term many members consider derogatory), adhere to Moon’s teachings, which emphasize the creation of a “heavenly kingdom” on Earth through family unity and global outreach.
Following Moon’s death in 2012, his widow, Han Hak-ja, assumed leadership of the organization. Under her stewardship, the church has continued to operate a vast network of businesses, including media outlets, tourism companies, and food distribution enterprises. The church’s commercial ventures have been a source of both wealth and controversy, with critics alleging that they serve as vehicles for money laundering and undue political influence. In South Korea, the church’s ties to conservative political figures have long been a subject of scrutiny, with accusations of leveraging its financial resources to sway policymakers.
The Unification Church claims a global following of approximately 10 million people, though independent estimates suggest the number may be significantly lower. The organization is perhaps best known for its mass wedding ceremonies, which have drawn international attention. These events, often held in stadiums and attended by thousands of couples from around the world, are a hallmark of the church’s emphasis on family as a cornerstone of its spiritual mission. While these ceremonies have been celebrated by followers as symbols of unity, critics have described them as manipulative spectacles designed to reinforce the church’s control over its members.
The Political Context
Han Hak-ja’s arrest comes at a time of heightened political turmoil in South Korea. The allegations against her are intertwined with the legal troubles of President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, Kim Keon Hee. Yoon’s presidency has been marred by controversy, culminating in his declaration of martial law in December 2024, a decision that shocked the nation and led to his arrest and ongoing trial. Kim, meanwhile, has faced accusations of using her position to engage in corrupt practices, including accepting lavish gifts and manipulating stock markets for personal gain.
The allegations of bribery involving Han Hak-ja suggest a deeper nexus between the Unification Church and South Korea’s political elite. The church has a long history of cultivating relationships with conservative politicians, both in South Korea and abroad. In the United States, for example, the church has been linked to Republican politicians and conservative causes, often through its ownership of media outlets like The Washington Times. In South Korea, the church’s influence has been more direct, with allegations of financial contributions and other forms of support to political figures.
The accusations against Han raise questions about the extent to which the Unification Church has sought to influence South Korea’s government. The luxury gifts allegedly sent to Kim Keon Hee, including a designer handbag and diamond necklace, are seen by prosecutors as part of a broader strategy to secure access to President Yoon. Similarly, the alleged payment of 100 million won to a member of parliament points to a pattern of financial inducements aimed at gaining political leverage.
The Church’s Response
The Unification Church has responded to Han’s arrest with a mix of defiance and contrition. Prior to the issuance of the arrest warrant, the church issued a strongly worded statement condemning the prosecutors’ actions as “unjust persecution of a global religious leader.” The organization argued that the request for a warrant reflected “excessive and coercive measures” and called for “humanitarian consideration and rational judgment.”
Following Han’s arrest, however, the church adopted a more conciliatory tone. In a statement released on September 23, 2025, the organization expressed its intention to cooperate fully with the investigation and trial. “We humbly accept the court’s decision,” the statement read. “We will sincerely cooperate with the ongoing investigation and trial procedures to establish the truth, and we will do our utmost to take this as an opportunity to restore trust in our church. We deeply apologize for causing concern.”
This shift in tone reflects the church’s recognition of the gravity of the situation. Han’s arrest, combined with the high-profile legal troubles of Yoon and Kim, has placed the Unification Church under intense public and media scrutiny. The organization’s leaders are likely aware that their response to the allegations will shape public perceptions of the church’s legitimacy and influence.
Broader Implications
Han Hak-ja’s arrest has far-reaching implications for the Unification Church and its global operations. In South Korea, the scandal threatens to further erode public trust in the organization, which has long been viewed with suspicion by many citizens. The church’s association with political corruption could also prompt renewed calls for stricter regulation of religious organizations and their financial activities.
Internationally, the arrest may impact the church’s ability to maintain its global influence. The Unification Church has a significant presence in countries such as Japan, the United States, and parts of Africa and Latin America. In Japan, for example, the church has faced accusations of exploiting followers through aggressive fundraising tactics, leading to legal challenges and public backlash. Han’s arrest could embolden critics in these countries to push for greater scrutiny of the church’s activities.
The scandal also raises questions about the intersection of religion and politics in South Korea. The country has a complex history of religious influence in public life, with Christian denominations, in particular, playing a significant role in shaping political discourse. The Unification Church’s alleged efforts to bribe political figures underscore the potential for religious organizations to wield undue influence over democratic institutions.
The Legal Road Ahead
As Han Hak-ja awaits trial, the legal proceedings are likely to attract significant attention. Prosecutors will need to present compelling evidence to substantiate their claims of bribery, including documentation of the alleged gifts to Kim Keon Hee and the payment to the unnamed lawmaker. Han’s defense team, meanwhile, will likely argue that the accusations are politically motivated and lack sufficient proof.
The outcome of the trial could have profound consequences for the Unification Church. A conviction would likely tarnish the organization’s reputation and could lead to further investigations into its financial practices. Conversely, an acquittal could bolster the church’s claims of persecution and strengthen its position among its followers.
Public Reaction
The arrest of Han Hak-ja has sparked a range of reactions in South Korea and beyond. Supporters of the Unification Church have rallied behind their leader, framing her arrest as an attack on religious freedom. Social media platforms, including X, have seen an outpouring of posts from church members expressing solidarity with Han and denouncing the prosecution’s actions.
Critics, however, see the arrest as a long-overdue reckoning for an organization they view as manipulative and corrupt. Activists and former church members have used the opportunity to highlight allegations of coercion, financial exploitation, and psychological abuse within the Unification Church. These voices have called for greater accountability and transparency from the organization.
Conclusion
The arrest of Han Hak-ja on September 23, 2025, represents a pivotal moment for the Unification Church and its relationship with South Korea’s political establishment. The allegations of bribery involving luxury gifts and financial inducements have thrust the church into the center of a high-profile scandal, with implications for its global reputation and influence. As the legal process unfolds, the world will be watching to see how the Unification Church navigates this crisis and whether it can restore public trust in the face of mounting scrutiny.
The case also serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between religion, politics, and power. In South Korea, where religious organizations have historically played a significant role in public life, the allegations against Han Hak-ja underscore the need for vigilance to ensure that democratic institutions remain free from undue influence. For now, the Unification Church and its leader face an uncertain future, as they grapple with the legal and reputational challenges posed by this unprecedented scandal.
