Han Hakja, president of the Unification Church, was sentenced to two years in prison Monday by the Seoul Central District Court [1].
The ruling marks a significant legal blow to one of South Korea's most controversial religious organizations, highlighting the intersection of faith and illicit political lobbying.
The court delivered a total sentence of two years [1]. This total consists of a one-year term for violations of the Political Funds Act, and a separate one-year term for violating the Anti-Corruption Act [1].
According to court findings, Han attempted to expand the political influence of the Unification Church by using church funds for bribery and illicit contributions [1, 2]. The court found that Han provided 100 million won to former lawmaker Kwon Sung-dong [3].
Further evidence presented during the trial indicated that Han provided luxury gifts to former first lady Kim Gun-hee [1]. These items included a Chanel bag, and a Graff necklace [1].
Additionally, the court found that Han used church funds to support the splitting of lawmakers within the People Power Party [3]. The judgment underscores a pattern of attempting to leverage financial resources to secure political favor and institutional growth [1, 2].
The first-instance judgment was delivered at the Seoul Central District Court on Aug. 31 [1].
“Han Hakja, president of the Unification Church, was sentenced to two years in prison”
This sentencing reflects a judicial crackdown on 'jeong-gyo-yuchak,' or the collusive relationship between religion and politics in South Korea. By penalizing the use of church funds for luxury gifts and direct payments to political figures, the court is establishing a boundary against the use of religious organizations as vehicles for illicit political lobbying.
