South Korean Prosecutors Pursue Arrest of Unification Church Leader in Bribery Investigation

In a significant development in South Korea’s ongoing political and legal landscape, prosecutors have requested an arrest warrant for Han Hak-ja, the leader of the Unification Church, amid allegations of bribery linked to the former first lady, Kim Keon-hee. This request comes as part of a broader investigation into corruption involving Kim and her husband, former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who faced a dramatic fall from grace last year.

Background of the Case

The Unification Church, founded in 1954 by Han’s late husband, Sun Myung Moon, has long been a controversial organization in South Korea, often referred to disparagingly as “Moonies.” The church is known for its unique religious teachings, which include the belief that Moon was the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, and for conducting mass wedding ceremonies. Under Han’s leadership since her husband’s death in 2012, the church has expanded its influence into various sectors, including media, tourism, and food distribution.

The current investigation focuses on allegations that Han facilitated the delivery of luxury gifts, such as a designer handbag and a diamond necklace, to Kim Keon-hee in 2022. Prosecutors believe these gifts were intended to curry favor with Yoon, who assumed the presidency that same year.

Charges Against Han Hak-ja

Prosecutor Park Sang-jin announced the charges against Han, which include violations of the political funds act, anti-graft laws, incitement to destroy evidence, and embezzlement. The request for an arrest warrant was made following a lengthy interrogation of Han, during which she was questioned for nearly ten hours. Han has denied any wrongdoing, claiming that she did not orchestrate the alleged bribery and instead attributing the actions to a former church official who has since been arrested.

Park stated, “We considered the risk of Han tampering with evidence to be very high, which led us to seek the warrant.” This assertion underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the prosecutors’ concerns regarding the integrity of the investigation.

The Political Context

The bribery allegations are set against a backdrop of political turmoil in South Korea. Yoon Suk-yeol was impeached and removed from office in April after his controversial declaration of martial law, which temporarily suspended civilian rule. This decision was met with widespread backlash and was ultimately overturned by opposition lawmakers. The fallout from Yoon’s actions has put a spotlight on the couple’s connections and dealings, prompting a deeper inquiry into their conduct while in power.

The former first lady, Kim Keon-hee, has also faced scrutiny as part of this investigation. She was arrested and indicted last month on charges of bribery and stock market manipulation, allegations her lawyers vehemently deny. Her husband’s political downfall has further complicated the situation, as both are now entangled in legal battles that threaten to unravel their political legacy.

Church’s Response and Broader Implications

In response to the arrest warrant request, the Unification Church has criticized the prosecutors’ actions, arguing that Han does not pose a flight risk or a danger of destroying evidence. They assert that she has cooperated fully with the investigation, despite experiencing health issues. The church’s defense highlights its commitment to transparency and due process amid a climate of increasing scrutiny.

The implications of this investigation extend beyond the immediate legal ramifications for Han and the former first lady. It raises questions about the intersection of religion and politics in South Korea, particularly concerning the influence of the Unification Church. The organization has faced criticism for its cult-like culture and its significant role in South Korean society, which may be further examined as this case unfolds.

Upcoming Legal Proceedings

A Seoul court is expected to review the validity of the arrest warrant request for Han early next week. This hearing will be crucial in determining the next steps in the investigation and whether Han will face legal repercussions for her alleged involvement in the bribery scheme.

In addition to Han, conservative lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong also faces legal challenges. A Seoul court issued an arrest warrant for Kweon earlier this week, citing concerns that he could tamper with evidence related to the case. Kweon is alleged to have received a bribe of 100 million won (approximately $72,000) from Han, further complicating the political landscape.

Conclusion

As the investigation into bribery allegations surrounding the Unification Church and former political leaders continues, the ramifications for those involved could be significant. With the court’s decision on Han’s arrest warrant looming, South Korea watches closely as this high-profile case unfolds, potentially reshaping the political and religious landscape in the nation.

Key Facts

– South Korean prosecutors have requested an arrest warrant for Han Hak-ja, leader of the Unification Church, over bribery allegations.
– The investigation is linked to former first lady Kim Keon-hee and her husband, former President Yoon Suk-yeol.
– Han is accused of violating political funds laws, anti-graft laws, incitement to destroy evidence, and embezzlement.
– The Unification Church has criticized the arrest warrant request, asserting Han’s cooperation with the investigation.
– A Seoul court is expected to review the warrant request early next week.

Source: www.aljazeera.com