[Top Stories]25/09/23 'Moonies' Church leader arrested in South Korea

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Han Hak-ja, 82, faces charges for her alleged role in bribing former first lady and a lawmaker 

The leader of the Unification Church, Han Hak-ja, arrives at a special prosecutor's office in Seoul on Sept. 17. (Photo: AFP)

By AFP, Seoul

Published: September 23, 2025 04:02 AM GMT

Updated: September 23, 2025 04:49 AM GMT

The leader of the Unification Church was arrested Sept. 23 in South Korea on allegations of bribery linked to a former first lady, including luxury gifts, prosecutors said.

"The Seoul Central District Court issued the arrest warrant, finding there is a risk of tampering with evidence," the prosecutor's office said in a statement.

Han Hak-ja, 82, was questioned on Sept. 22 for her alleged role in bribing former first lady Kim Keon Hee and a lawmaker, and prosecutors called for her arrest the following day.

After the warrant was issued, Han was transferred to the Seoul Detention Center.

The Unification Church was founded in 1954 by Han's late husband, Moon Sun-myung, and has been a source of controversy in several countries, including Latin America.

Moon claimed to be the second coming of Jesus Christ, and the church has a cult-like culture. Its followers are disparagingly called "moonies."

The church has businesses in a wide range of sectors, including newspapers, tourism, and food distribution.

"We humbly accept the court's decision," the church said in a statement.

"We will cooperate wholeheartedly with the ongoing investigation and trial proceedings to establish the truth, and we will do our best to seize this opportunity to restore confidence in our church," he added.

"We deeply apologize for causing concern."

Han took over the organization after Moon died in 2012.

She is accused of ordering luxury gifts, including a designer bag and a diamond necklace, to be sent to Kim in 2022 to curry favor with her husband, Yoon Suk Yeol, who became South Korea's president that year.

The former first lady was arrested and charged with bribery and stock manipulation. Her husband is also detained and facing trial for his failed declaration of martial law in December.

Yoon is also accused of bribing a lawmaker with 100 million won ($72,000).