South Korea Arrests Unification Church Leader Han Hak-ja Over Bribery Allegations

Han Hak-ja, the 82-year-old leader of the Unification Church, was arrested in South Korea amid investigations into bribery allegations involving former first lady Kim Keon Hee and a conservative lawmaker. Prosecutors accuse Han of ordering luxury gifts, such as a designer handbag and diamond necklace, to be sent to Kim in 2022 to gain favor with her husband, President Yoon Suk Yeol. The Seoul Central District Court approved Han's arrest warrant, citing concerns she might destroy evidence. The Unification Church, founded by Han's late husband Moon Sun-myung, has faced longstanding controversy, with critics describing its culture as cult-like and its followers as "Moonies." Han has denied any wrongdoing, while the church pledged to cooperate with authorities to restore trust. The allegations are part of broader probes targeting Yoon's presidency, including charges against Kim and ongoing trials related to Yoon's declaration of martial law.