A special prosecutor has requested a 13-year [1] prison sentence for Han Heokja, the former president of the World Peace Unification Family Federation.
The case highlights allegations of systemic corruption and the attempted purchase of political influence within the highest levels of the South Korean government.
During a hearing at the Seoul Central District Court, prosecutors said Han conspired with former church executives to provide money and gifts to Kim Keon-hee, the wife of former President Yoon Suk-yeol [1]. The prosecution said these payments were intended to secure favors or conveniences for the church by leveraging the influence of the former president's spouse [1].
Han, whose organization was formerly known as the Unification Church, has denied the charges [1]. The legal proceedings center on whether the gifts constituted illegal bribery, or an attempt to illicitly sway government policy in favor of the religious organization.
While the prosecution seeks a lengthy term, there have been conflicting reports regarding Han's current custodial status. Some reports indicate she is appearing in court for the trial [1], while others state she remains on temporary release due to health concerns, with that release period previously extended to May 30 [2].
The investigation into the relationship between the church and the former first lady is part of a broader effort by special prosecutors to uncover illicit financial ties between religious leaders and political figures in Seoul.
“A special prosecutor has requested a 13-year prison sentence for Han Heokja”
This case underscores the ongoing legal scrutiny of the Unification Church's political activities in South Korea. If convicted, the sentence would signal a severe judicial crackdown on the intersection of religious funding and political influence, potentially impacting how religious organizations interact with the South Korean state.
