SEOUL, South Korea - A South Korean court on Monday sentenced Hak Ja Han, the leader of the Unification Church, to two years in prison after convicting her of bribing officials in a case that also centered on luxury items given to former first lady Kim Keon Hee.
The ruling marks one of the most consequential legal blows yet for a church long associated with political influence, business interests and public controversy in South Korea and abroad. Prosecutors had sought a 13-year term, according to the report, while the court concluded that the church leader was responsible for a bribery scheme aimed at securing policy favors during the presidency of Yoon Suk Yeol.
Han, who is 83, appeared in court in a wheelchair, wearing hospital clothing and a surgical mask. The church said she would appeal. It also rejected the court's conclusion that she instructed the conduct or knowingly approved its unlawful purpose.
The case has already deepened scrutiny of the relationship between powerful private groups and public office in South Korea. Prosecutors said the alleged gifts included a designer handbag and other luxury items delivered to Kim while her husband was president. The court also considered claims that Han was involved in illegal funds provided to former lawmaker Kweon Seon-dong.
Han took control of the Unification Church after the death of its founder, Moon Sun-myung, in 2012. Members refer to her as the True Mother. The movement, founded in 1954, is known for its mass wedding ceremonies and for teachings that draw criticism outside the church.
The legal case comes after years of scrutiny over the church's political ties. It has also been watched closely because of the scale of the organization and the profile of the figures involved. The church says it has about 10 million followers worldwide, and its business interests span media, education and food distribution.
Han has been detained since September 2025. The report said she had repeatedly been moved between detention and hospital care because of medical issues, and that she was allowed to remain in hospital until Wednesday after the verdict because of her condition.
The sentence does not end the case. The church has said it will challenge the decision, and the legal and political fallout is likely to continue as South Korea's former first lady remains under scrutiny in separate proceedings. For now, the verdict places one of the country's most influential and divisive religious figures under a prison sentence and extends a corruption scandal that has already touched the highest levels of the presidential circle.
