Politics · Singapore Bureau
South Korea jails Unification Church leader over political influence scheme
A South Korean court has sentenced the leader of the Unification Church to two years imprisonment for political funding violations and bribery. The conviction relates to attempts to gain influence with the administration of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
LSN Singapore ·
A Seoul court on Monday found Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja guilty of channelling funds to political figures and engaging in bribery as part of a broader effort to secure access to South Korea's previous presidential administration.
The two-year sentence marks a significant legal blow to one of South Korea's most influential religious organisations. Prosecutors had pursued the case amid growing scrutiny of the church's political activities and financial dealings under the Yoon administration.
The conviction underscores ongoing concerns in South Korea about the intersection of religion, politics and money in high-level governance. The Unification Church, formally known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, has long been a controversial figure in South Korean society due to its teachings and financial practices.
The case is part of broader investigations into political funding irregularities that have intensified following shifts in South Korea's political landscape. Han's sentencing may prompt further examination of how major religious organisations exercise political influence in the country.