Key Facts
• On September 17, Han Hak-ja, 82, appeared at South Korea’s special prosecutor’s office.
• Han is accused of gifting luxury items to Kim Keon-hee, former First Lady, for favors.
• Kim’s alleged involvement includes seeking government support for overseas projects.
• Kwon Seong-dong, a lawmaker and close aide to former President Yoon Suk-yeol, was arrested on September 17 for receiving illegal political funds from the Unification Church.
• Han had previously refused three summons due to health issues following heart surgery.
• Han denied wrongdoing, citing health as the reason for her delayed appearance.
• The Unification Church denies Han’s involvement, attributing actions to a former official, Yun Yong-ho, who is already under arrest.
• The Unification Church, also known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, manages assets worth approximately 320 billion yen.
• In Japan, the church was ordered to dissolve in March 2023 due to financial exploitation of followers.
• South Korea’s investigation focuses on the church’s financial operations and political influence.
Summary
Han Hak-ja, leader of the Unification Church, appeared at South Korea’s special prosecutor’s office on September 17, facing allegations of bribing former First Lady Kim Keon-hee with luxury gifts to secure government favors. This follows the arrest of lawmaker Kwon Seong-dong for receiving illegal funds from the church. Han had previously refused three summons due to health issues. The church denies her involvement, attributing the actions to a former official. Investigators are scrutinizing the church’s financial dealings, which include assets worth 320 billion yen. While the church faces dissolution in Japan, it remains influential in South Korea. The case has drawn significant public attention, with potential implications for political and religious accountability.
