The 82-year-old head of the Unification Church has been taken into custody in South Korea following a court’s approval of her arrest warrant. Han Hak-ja faces allegations of orchestrating bribery payments to the wife of the country’s former president and a conservative politician.
Judges at the Seoul Central District Court determined there was substantial risk of evidence tampering, justifying her detention. The religious leader, who leads the organization founded by her late husband, is accused of directing subordinates to provide financial incentives to Kim Keon Hee, the former first lady, and lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong. Both recipients have separately denied any wrongdoing.
The controversial religious movement, known for conducting mass wedding ceremonies and maintaining global business operations, has condemned the arrest. Church representatives highlighted their leader’s recent medical procedure and criticized what they called disrespect toward an internationally recognized religious figure.
This development occurs amid multiple investigations into the previous administration. The former first lady already faces criminal proceedings for alleged bribery and stock manipulation, with her initial court appearance scheduled this week. The legislator, arrested last week, denies receiving church funds despite allegations that church members enrolled in his political party to support his leadership bid.
South Korea’s political landscape has long involved complex relationships between religious organizations and political power. The current ruling party has demanded dissolution proceedings against the main opposition party if bribery connections are proven, citing constitutional violations regarding religious influence in state affairs.
The church’s legal troubles extend beyond South Korea, following Japan’s decision to dissolve the organization earlier this year after former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s assassination was linked to the group’s financial practices.
Separate investigations continue into the former president’s brief imposition of martial law and alleged cover-up of a marine’s death during rescue operations. The ex-leader remains in custody facing insurrection charges, with prosecutors preparing to question him about alleged drone operations intended to justify military rule.
The religious official underwent extensive questioning last week, maintaining her innocence throughout the interrogation process.
