South Korea Arrests Unification Church Leader Amid Bribery Probe Into Former President's Wife

Han Hak-ja, leader of South Korea's Unification Church, has been arrested and jailed on bribery charges linked to Kim Keon-hee, wife of ousted President Yoon Suk-yeol. Prosecutors allege Han orchestrated the bribery to secure favors for the church's business interests, including delivering luxury gifts to Kim, accusations which Kim denies. Han was detained to prevent evidence tampering amid a broader investigation into corruption allegations against the former first lady and her husband, who is separately on trial for insurrection. The Unification Church, founded in the 1950s and known for its mass weddings and global influence, has pledged cooperation with the investigation to restore trust. The probe also involves a conservative lawmaker, Kweon Seong-dong, suspected of receiving illegal political funds from the church. This case is part of multiple special prosecutor investigations into President Yoon's administration following his removal from office.