Leader of 'Moonies' Church Arrested for Bribing Ex-South Korea First Lady

South Korea has arrested Han Hak-ja, the leader of the Unification Church, on allegations that the organization bribed South Korea's former first lady for business and political favors. The church is accused of giving Kim Keon Hee, the wife of ousted president Yoon Suk Yeol, two Chanel bags and a diamond necklace worth 80 million won ($57,900; £42,500).

Han, an 82-year-old widow and the church's founder Sun Myung Moon's wife, has denied the allegations, calling them "false." The church stated it would cooperate with authorities to restore trust and apologized for causing concern.

Prosecutors sought an arrest warrant for Han on charges including improper solicitation, graft, and occupational embezzlement. In court, Han rejected the charges, claiming no interest or knowledge in politics. Her lawyers argued against the arrest citing her age and health issues.

Han is also accused of colluding with a former church official to offer bribes to a lawmaker ahead of the 2022 presidential election. The lawmaker, Kweon Seong-dong, denies accepting bribes. The former church official has been arrested.

The Unification Church, founded by Moon Sun-myung in the 1950s, is known for mass weddings and has faced criticism for alleged cult-like practices and coercing donations. In Japan, the group has been linked to the assassination of former leader Shinzo Abe and is banned in some countries.