Investigators in South Korea push for the detention of the leader of the Unification Church
In a significant turn of events, South Korean prosecutors have requested an arrest warrant for Han Hak-ja, the leader of the controversial Unification Church. The church, founded in 1954 by Moon Sun-myung, has a wide business reach, spanning media, tourism, food distribution, and more.
Han, who assumed leadership of the church after Moon's death in 2012, is accused of bribing former South Korean first lady Kim Keon Hee and a prominent lawmaker. The charges against Han include violation of the political funds act, anti-graft law, incitement to destroy evidence, and embezzlement.
During Wednesday's questioning, Prosecutor Park stated that Han denied committing any crimes. However, the allegations against Han include bribing the MP Kweon Seong-dong with 100 million won ($72,000). The name of the allegedly bribed parliamentarian has not been publicly disclosed.
The former South Korean first lady Kim has been arrested and indicted on charges of bribery and stock-market manipulation. Yoon Suk Yeol, the husband of the former first lady, is standing trial over his declaration of martial law in December. Yoon was impeached and removed from office in April over the attempt to declare martial law.
The Unification Church is a controversial organization with a cult-like culture and teachings centered on Moon's role as the Second Coming. Followers of the church are derisively referred to as "Moonies."
A court is expected to review the validity of the arrest warrant request early next week. If the warrant is issued, Han will become the highest-profile religious leader to be arrested in South Korea. The Unification Church has faced numerous controversies over the years, but this development marks a new level of scrutiny.
As the investigation continues, the public awaits developments in this high-profile case, which is likely to have significant implications for South Korea's political and religious landscape.
Read also:
- United States tariffs pose a threat to India, necessitating the recruitment of adept negotiators or strategists, similar to those who had influenced Trump's decisions.
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
