Unification Church leader arrested in S Korean ex-first lady bribery case

The Unification Church’s leader in South Korea has been detained after receiving bribes that included expensive jewelry and bags allegedly belonging to the nation’s former first lady.

Han Hak-ja, 82, was cited in a statement released on Tuesday morning by Seoul’s prosecution as having “risked of tampering with evidence” because of concerns that the arrest warrant had been issued.

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Han is accused of ordering the church to pay a bribe to Kim Keon Hee, the then-first lady, and former president Yoon Suk Yeol, for favors to the church’s business interests.

Han, however, has refuted the claims and described them as “false information.”

Han was remanded in the Seoul Detention Center after the arrest warrant was issued.

The Unification Church stated in a statement that they “humbly accept the court’s decision.”

We will do everything in our power to restore trust in our church, it continued, adding, “We will sincerely cooperate with the ongoing investigation and trial procedures to establish the truth.”

We sincerely apologize for raising concerns.

In order to win Kim over, Han is accused of ordering her staff to give her expensive presents. Additionally, she is accused of paying $100,000 to a well-known MP.

Han is the widow of Sun Myung Moon, the founder of the Unification Church, who passed away in 2012, and is referred to as “True Mother” by her followers. The church, which was established in 1954, has long drawn controversy and criticism.

Fans are referred to disparagingly as “Moonies” because they still have a cult-like culture. Mass weddings are held at the church, which emphasizes the significance of Moon as Jesus Christ’s second coming.

The organization, which is formally known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, has members all over the world and has control over businesses in the media, healthcare, and construction.