South Korean Authorities Seek Arrest of Unification Church Leader

South Korean investigators have requested an arrest warrant for Hak Ja Han, the leader of the Unification Church, following allegations of bribery involving the wife of jailed former President Yoon Suk Yeol. This announcement was made on Thursday, just one day after investigators questioned Han regarding claims that the church sought to influence political figures, including Kim Keon Hee, Yoon’s wife, and a conservative lawmaker.

The inquiry centers on accusations that the church provided bribes to Kim and Kweon Seong-dong, a loyalist of Yoon, who was arrested earlier this week. Investigators suspect that Kim accepted luxury gifts from a Unification Church official, who allegedly sought various favors, including assistance with a Cambodian development project. This official has been arrested and is accused of providing 100 million won (approximately $72,400) in bribes to Kweon.

Ongoing Investigations and Legal Proceedings

Park Sang-jin, an investigator involved in the case, confirmed that a court hearing to decide on Han’s arrest is scheduled for Monday. The church has publicly denied the allegations against them, asserting that they do not pose a flight risk and have cooperated fully with the investigation, even as Han recovers from a recent heart procedure.

This probe into Kim forms part of a broader investigation initiated under South Korea’s new liberal government. It targets various aspects of Yoon’s presidency, including his controversial imposition of martial law on December 3, 2023, which led to his impeachment and subsequent removal from office in April. Other investigations focus on claims surrounding a marine’s drowning during a flood rescue operation and Yoon’s decision-making during his presidency.

The Unification Church, officially known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, criticized the request for Han’s arrest, emphasizing the lack of solid evidence presented to justify such a move. The church stated, “Requesting an arrest warrant for an internationally respected religious leader without presenting clear evidence is an excessive move that disregards even the most basic respect due to a religious leader.”

Background of the Unification Church and Its Leadership

Hak Ja Han, 82, is the widow of Sun Myung Moon, who founded the Unification Church in 1954. Moon, a self-proclaimed messiah, attracted millions of followers worldwide and established significant business interests. The church is particularly known for its mass weddings, which pair thousands of couples, often from diverse nationalities.

As the investigation continues, the implications for both Han and the church remain significant. The unfolding events not only highlight the intersection of politics and religion in South Korea but also raise questions about the influence of religious organizations in the political landscape. The outcome of the court hearing and subsequent investigations will likely shape the future of the Unification Church and its leadership.