South Korea Church Leader Sentenced to 2 Years

Court Delivers Verdict in High-Profile Bribery Case

A South Korean court has sentenced Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja to two years in prison after finding her responsible in a bribery case involving political figures and officials. The 83-year-old religious leader was sentenced by the Seoul Central District Court on Monday, August 31, 2026. Prosecutors had reportedly sought a much longer prison term of 13 years.

Han Hak-ja Accused of Providing Luxury Gifts

Han was accused of providing luxury items, including a designer handbag, to Kim Keon Hee, the former first lady of South Korea, while her husband Yoon Suk Yeol was president. Prosecutors alleged that the gifts were connected to efforts to obtain political or policy favours. The case has attracted significant public attention because of the alleged links between the religious organization and influential political figures.

Church Rejects Court's Findings and Plans Appeal

Han appeared in court in a wheelchair while wearing hospital clothing and a surgical mask. After the verdict, the Unification Church rejected the court's findings and said it plans to appeal the decision. The organization argued that there was insufficient basis to conclude that Han had ordered or knowingly approved unlawful activities.

The court, however, said Han's senior position within the organization was an important factor in its decision. Han has led the Unification Church since the death of her husband, Moon Sun-myung, in 2012. She is regarded by followers as the church's "True Mother."

Unification Church Has Global Influence

The Unification Church was founded in 1954 by Moon Sun-myung and has developed interests in areas including media, education, food distribution and other businesses. The organization is internationally known for its large-scale mass wedding ceremonies involving couples from different countries.

The church says it has millions of followers around the world. Han's arrest in September 2025 significantly affected the organization and intensified scrutiny of its leadership, finances and political relationships.

Health Issues Could Affect Han's Imprisonment

Han has repeatedly been transferred between detention facilities and hospitals since her arrest because of health concerns. Following Monday's sentencing, she returned to hospital treatment. A court decision allows her to remain there temporarily because of medical problems reportedly including a heart condition, injuries from a fall and treatment for glaucoma.

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Her lawyers are expected to consider whether to seek a further suspension or other legal measures based on her health condition. The final outcome will depend on the legal proceedings and any appeal filed by her defence team.

Case Adds to Political Scrutiny in South Korea

The case is part of wider scrutiny of relationships between religious organizations, political figures and business interests in South Korea. Allegations involving former first lady Kim Keon Hee and former lawmaker Kweon Seon-dong have brought additional attention to the church's political connections.

The Unification Church has also faced controversy outside South Korea. In Japan, the organization came under renewed scrutiny following the 2022 assassination of former prime minister Shinzo Abe, after the suspected attacker alleged that his family had suffered financial hardship connected to the organization.