By The Straits Times | Created at 2026-08-31 07:14:39 | Updated at 2026-08-31 08:33:50
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Published Aug 31, 2026, 02:53 PM
Updated Aug 31, 2026, 02:53 PM
- A South Korean court sentenced Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja to two years in prison for bribery and political funding crimes.
- Han was found to have provided money to politicians and luxury gifts to former first lady Kim Keon Hee through an intermediary.
- Han denied involvement, claiming she had no political interest and that her subordinates acted without her knowledge.
SEOUL – A South Korean court on Aug 31 sentenced Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja to a combined two years in prison over political funding and bribery offences tied to alleged efforts to cultivate influence with former president Yoon Suk Yeol’s administration.
The Seoul Central District Court found that Han, 83, was involved in providing money to politicians and luxury goods to former first lady Kim Keon Hee through an intermediary, according to the ruling.
Han denied wrongdoing, saying she had no interest in politics and that subordinates had acted without her knowledge. REUTERS
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