Unification Church leader Hak Ja Han arrives for an arrest warrant hearing on allegations of bribery and political funding, at the Seoul Central District Court in Seoul on September 22. She was indicted Friday on charges of illegal political donations, embezzlement and evidence destruction. Photo by Jeon Heon-kyun/EPA
South Korea’s special prosecutor on Friday indicted Hak Ja Han, the leader of the Unification Church, along with two senior aides, Yoon Young-ho and Jung Wonju, on charges of illegal political donations, embezzlement and evidence destruction.
Han and her aides are accused of orchestrating a scheme in 2022 to funnel church funds to lawmakers of the ruling party, according to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office.
Investigators allege that approximately 144 million won (about $104,000) in cash was divided into smaller sums and secretly delivered to a sitting lawmaker in violation of South Korea’s Political Funds Act.
The indictment also says that Han approved luxury gifts — including designer handbags and diamond jewelry — that were sent to people connected to the presidential office. Prosecutors further claim she directed aides to destroy internal financial records tied to an overseas gambling investigation and misappropriated church assets for political purposes.
During questioning, Han denied all allegations and reportedly testified that “Jung Wonju planned and executed everything,” suggesting that her long-time executive assistant had overseen the financial dealings at the center of the probe. Her statement has drawn significant attention as it indicates possible internal division within the top ranks of the church.
Yoon Young-ho, another senior official, was previously detained and indicted in August on related charges. Jung Wonju, who served as Han’s chief of staff, was charged without detention. Both are accused of facilitating the unlawful donations and manipulating internal ledgers to conceal the transactions.
Prosecutors said the investigation may extend to other people or entities that participated in or benefited from the illicit financial operations. They are also examining whether violations of the Political Party Act or tax laws occurred.
The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification — the official name of the Unification Church — released a statement expressing “deep regret” over the indictment, but insisted that all expenditures were legitimate.
“The funds were used for religious and public purposes,” the statement said, while asking the court to consider Han’s advanced age and fragile health during trial proceedings.
Han, 82, has led the church since the death of her husband, Rev. Sun Myung Moon, in 2012. Under her leadership, the movement expanded its global network and continued to host large-scale events, but it has also faced deepening internal rifts and mounting controversies over financial transparency, doctrinal disputes and political influence.
In recent years, South Korean media and lawmakers have scrutinized the group’s donations and its ties to public officials. Critics have accused it of using its vast financial resources to exert quiet political influence, while church members have defended their activities as expressions of faith and civic engagement.
The prosecution has emphasized that the charges target criminal acts, not beliefs, and that religious freedom cannot shield misconduct from the law.
The Seoul Central District Court is expected to open hearings later this month. If convicted, Han and her aides could face prison terms and forfeiture of church assets linked to the offenses.
The indictment has reignited debate over the boundaries between faith and political power. Legal analysts note that this case could set a precedent for how South Korea regulates the political influence of powerful religious organizations.
