A Seoul court has found Han Hak-ja, leader of the Unification Church, guilty in a bribery case. The charges involved alleged efforts to cultivate influence with former President Yoon Suk Yeol's administration.
The conviction of a prominent religious leader in South Korea on bribery charges highlights ongoing investigations into alleged corruption involving political figures and religious organizations, potentially impacting public trust and political stability.
A South Korean court has found Han Hak-ja, the leader of the Unification Church, guilty of political funds law violations and bribery. The court handed down a two-year prison sentence on Monday, a lower term than the 13 years sought by the special counsel.
Prosecutors accused Han of giving a luxury necklace and a Chanel bag to then-first lady Kim Keon Hee in July 2022, requesting favors for the church through an intermediary. The allegations tied the actions to efforts to cultivate influence with former President Yoon Suk Yeol's administration.
Han Hak-ja, 83, appeared for her trial at the Seoul Central District Court. The case is part of a broader criminal investigation into alleged bribery involving the former first lady.