Han Hak‑ja, the 83‑year‑old widow of Sun Myung Moon, received costly gifts from the Unification Church, including Chanel bags and a diamond necklace, together valued at 80 million won ($57 900). These presents were allegedly exchanged for political favors, as the church sought to buy influence in Seoul.
The gifts were delivered to former first lady Kim Keon‑hee between April and July 2022, a period during which the church’s influence was allegedly pushed for business and political gain.
Kim Keon‑hee was already sentenced in 2025 to 20 months in prison for accepting bribes from the church and publicly apologised for the controversy.
The court’s decision marks the first confirmed instance of the church attempting to buy political influence, following a probe that uncovered over $19 million ($14 million) in cash in Han’s personal safe.
The Unification Church, formally known as The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, has a history of alleged coercion of devotees and has been criticised as cult‑like. Its political ties span Seoul, Tokyo, and Washington, with past praise from high‑profile politicians such as Donald Trump, Mike Pence and Shinzo Abe.
The case also highlights the broader scrutiny the church faces internationally, with bans in Singapore and a dissolution order in Japan.
Han denies the allegations, labeling them “false,” but prosecutors present evidence of the church’s bribery attempts, bringing a stark focus to the ongoing debate over religious organisations and political power in South Korea.
