South Korea’s Moon Sect Leader Held in Bribery Investigation

Han Hak Ja, the leader of the Unification Church, also known as the Moon sect, has been placed under custody in South Korea on suspicion of bribery. The arrest, which occurred at the beginning of the week, is linked to allegations involving luxury gifts to the wife of former President Yoon Suk Yeol and donations to a deputy within the conservative People’s Power Party (PPP). The 82-year-old leader, referred to by followers as “Mother Han,” has denied the accusations. As a religious figure, she maintains that her focus remains on spiritual matters rather than political affairs.

The Unification Church, a prominent religious group in South Korea, has found itself at the center of a significant legal investigation. The case has brought renewed attention to the group’s substantial political influence, particularly within conservative circles. According to Fabian Kretschmer, a freelance journalist in Seoul, the church’s reach extends beyond its religious community, with over 110,000 members also affiliated with the People’s Power Party (PPP). This connection highlights the complex interplay between religious leadership and political power in the country.

The legal proceedings against Han Hak Ja have intensified due to concerns over the potential threat to public safety. On September 22, 2025, she appeared before a district court in Seoul, where a warrant was issued for her arrest due to the risk of “darkening,” a term used to describe the possibility of further criminal activity. The arrest has raised questions about the balance between religious freedom and the rule of law, as well as the role of religious leaders in political matters.

The Unification Church’s influence has been a subject of scrutiny, particularly in light of past events. The group is considered a significant shadow power in South Korea, with historical ties to conservative politics. In 2024, the church was implicated in a failed coup attempt that led to a deep state crisis. The former Attorney General’s call for martial law during this period underscored the tensions between the church and the government. The coup attempt ultimately failed, and President Yoon Suk Yeol was reinstated in office.

Financial interests have long been intertwined with the Unification Church’s activities. Historically, the group was known for its anti-communist stance and advocacy for the reunification of the Korean Peninsula. However, its political goals have often been overshadowed by its extensive corporate empire, which includes research institutes, hospitals, real estate companies, and media outlets such as the Washington Times. The church has also engaged in lobbying efforts, often under the guise of promoting religious freedom, to avoid legal scrutiny.

The theological teachings of the Unification Church, founded by Sun Myung Moon, have played a central role in its identity. Moon, who passed away in 2012, viewed himself as a Messiah tasked with guiding humanity toward divine perfection. His teachings emphasize conservative family values and a rejection of modern sexual norms. Following his death, Han Hak Ja has continued to lead the church, maintaining and expanding the theological framework established by her late husband. This legacy continues to shape the group’s public image and influence in South Korean society.

Source: Read the original report (translated from German)