Unification Church leader in court as South Korea bribery verdict looms

Hak Ja Han, the leader of the Unification Church, arrived at the Seoul Central District Court on Monday afternoon to hear the verdict in her bribery trial. The 83-year-old widow of church founder Sun Myung Moon faces charges of bribing former first lady Kim Keon Hee and a conservative lawmaker.

The case stems from gifts allegedly given to Kim, wife of ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol, including a Graff diamond necklace and a Chanel handbag. Prosecutors say the church sought political favours from the government in exchange for the presents.

South Korea's special counsel team has requested a 13-year prison sentence, arguing that Han's actions violated the constitutional principle separating religion and politics. The court proceedings drew emotional scenes, with onlookers crying as Han arrived, and one unidentified individual scuffling with security personnel.

The Unification Church, founded in 1954 by Moon — a self-proclaimed messiah and anti-communist who preached conservative family values alongside unconventional biblical interpretations — claims a global membership of millions.