A Seoul court on Monday convicted Han Hak Ja, the 83-year-old leader of the powerful and secretive Unification Church in South Korea, on bribery charges and sentenced her to two years in prison. Han is the widow of the church's influential founder, Sun Myung Moon.

She was accused of giving former First Lady Kim Keon Hee several expensive gifts, including a designer handbag, through an intermediary in exchange for political favors. Han denied the allegations, claiming she did not pass the items to Kim.

Han's lawyers have already announced they will appeal the verdict. The case has sparked significant public interest, especially as Kim Keon Hee herself has been convicted of graft charges.

Kim's husband, former President Yoon Suk Yeol, is also currently jailed following a failed attempt to impose martial law. His tenure was marked by democratic backsliding and media repression before his removal from office in 2025.

The church, formally titled the 'Family Federation for World Peace and Unification,' was founded in the 1950s by Han and her late husband. It has become known for mass weddings, secrecy, and accusations of cult-like behavior and influence peddling.

The church's reach extends beyond Korea, notably in Japan, where former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated by a man motivated by Abe's deep family ties to the church.

Source: www.dw.com