Hak Ja Han sentenced to prison for political bribery in South Korea

The Seoul Central District Court has sentenced Hak Ja Han, leader of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (formerly the Unification Church), to two years in prison. The court found Han guilty of violating the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act by providing luxury goods and jewelry worth approximately 80 million won to Kim Keon-hee, the wife of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, to secure political favors. Han was also convicted of violating political fund laws by providing approximately 100 million won to a ruling party lawmaker prior to the 2022 presidential election to expand the organization's influence.

Investigators also uncovered evidence of large-scale embezzlement. During a search of Han's residence, authorities seized approximately 26 billion won (roughly 3 billion yen) in cash, including significant amounts of Japanese currency. This is linked to allegations that the organization systematically laundered and hid donations from followers worldwide, including large sums transferred from Japan, by disguising them as missionary expenses.

The verdict has drawn significant international criticism. Former U.S. Senator Sam Brownback and religious advisor Mark Burns expressed concerns regarding religious freedom and the integrity of the South Korean judicial system. Human rights organizations, including the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice, characterized the sentencing as an injustice, suggesting the prosecution may be influenced by political motives or external pressures.