A controversial church’s boss faces prison for bribery
Han Hak‑ja, the 83‑year‑old widow of the Unification Church founder, has been given a two‑year jail sentence for bribing Kim Keon Hee, the ex‑first lady of South Korea.
Kim was handed two Chanel bags and a diamond necklace, worth about 80 million won (roughly $58,000). She later returned the gifts, but the case proved the church’s willingness to buy influence.
Prosecutors revealed almost $19 million in cash in Han’s safe, marking the first public proof of the church attempting to buy political power.
Kim herself was already jailed for 20 months for accepting bribes—she publicly apologized, saying she was “truly sorry” for the trouble caused.
The Unification Church, founded in the 1950s by Sun Myung Moon, is known for mass weddings and allegations of being cult‑like. It has links to politicians in Seoul, Tokyo, and even Washington.
Some governments, like Singapore and Japan, have banned or dissolved the group, but its influence remains under scrutiny.
- Han Hak‑ja: 2‑year prison for bribery.
- Kim Keon Hee: 20‑month jail for earlier bribes.
- Unification Church: $19 million cash discovered.
- Church links politicians worldwide.
- Group banned in parts of world.
Watch this space for more updates on this high‑profile corruption case.
