Unification Church Leader Han Hak-ja Faces 13-Year Prison Demand on July 10

South Korea’s special prosecutor demanded a 13-year prison sentence for Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja on July 10 at Seoul Central District Court. Han faces charges of bribing former first lady Kim Keon Hee with luxury goods and delivering 100 million won in political funds to lawmakers in exchange for government favors. The prosecution alleges Han orchestrated a scheme to merge religious and political power, violating South Korea’s constitutional separation of church and state.

The charges against Han Hak-ja

Han, 83, stands accused of conspiring with former church officials to deliver 100 million won (approximately 10.8 million yen) to People Power Party lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong in January 2022. The prosecution alleges this payment sought government support for the church ahead of Yoon’s election later that year. Han also faces charges of gifting a Chanel bag and luxury necklace to Kim Keon Hee in July 2022 while requesting favors for the church’s business interests.

Prosecution’s case and Han’s defense

Prosecutors argued Han was the final decision-maker in the church and the ultimate beneficiary of the alleged collusion. They stated the defendants used massive financial resources to intervene in elections and politics, violating the constitutional principle separating religion and state. Han has denied all allegations, claiming she did not seek power through money and accusing a former church official of acting independently.

Sentences sought for other defendants

Special prosecutors sought 10 years for Jeong, Han’s former chief of staff, and 3.5 years for Yoon Young-ho, former head of the church’s global headquarters. A third defendant, Lee, received a three-year prison sentence in a lower court. Two other defendants already received final convictions: Kim Keon Hee’s associate received four years and Kweon Seong-dong received two years.

What happens next

The Seoul Central District Court will announce the verdict date at the end of today’s proceedings. Judge Woo In-sung presides over the case. Han’s trial marks the first major prosecution of a religious leader for alleged collusion with a sitting administration in South Korea’s modern history.

Final Thoughts

The 13-year demand signals prosecutors view Han’s alleged scheme as a grave threat to democratic governance. The verdict, expected within weeks, will test South Korea’s commitment to enforcing the constitutional separation of religion and politics.

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