- Han Hak-ja was sentenced to two years in prison by the Seoul Central District Court for bribery and political funding offenses linked to efforts to influence former President Yoon Suk Yeol's administration.
- The court found that Han, 83, was involved in providing money to politicians and luxury goods to former first lady Kim Keon Hee through an intermediary.
- The Unification Church announced it would appeal the ruling, stating it disagreed with the court's findings.
- Following the verdict, Han returned to hospital due to medical issues, where she can remain until Wednesday.
- Han was arrested in September 2025 in connection with a bribery case involving former first lady Kim Keon Hee.
- The court's ruling highlighted that Han was accused of providing luxury items, including a designer handbag, to Kim Keon Hee to secure policy favors.
- Prosecutors had sought a 13-year term for Han, indicating the severity of the charges against her.
A South Korean court sentenced Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja to two years in prison for bribery and political funding, linked to efforts to influence former President Yoon Suk Yeol's administration. The Seoul Central District Court found Han, 83, guilty of providing money and luxury goods to politicians, including former first lady Kim Keon Hee.12
Han denied any wrongdoing, claiming she had no interest in politics and that her subordinates acted without her knowledge. The court stated, “Given that she stands at the apex of the Unification Church, and considering her position and role... a prison sentence is unavoidable,” according to Yonhap news agency.
The church plans to appeal the ruling, asserting that Han did not instruct or approve any unlawful actions. A church spokesman stated, “We cannot accept the court's finding today that Han instructed the acts in question or was aware of and approved their unlawful purpose,” after the verdict was announced.3
Han was arrested in September 2025 in connection with the bribery case involving Kim. Following the sentencing, she returned to the hospital due to health issues, including a heart condition and glaucoma treatment. The church indicated that discussions about seeking a further suspension of her sentence would depend on her health conditions.45
“Prosecutors had sought a 13-year term, but the court imposed two years, citing her position at the church's apex. The church says it will appeal, and Han, who denies wrongdoing, remains hospitalized until Wednesday for a heart condition and glaucoma treatment.”
