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South Korea court gives Unification Church leader jail sentence for bribery

By Thomson Reuters Aug 31, 2026 | 12:53 AM

SEOUL, Aug 31 (Reuters) – A South Korean court on Monday ​sentenced Unification ‌Church leader Han Hak-ja to a combined two years in prison ‌over ​political funding ⁠and bribery offences ⁠tied to alleged efforts to cultivate influence with former President ​Yoon Suk Yeol’s administration.

The Seoul ⁠Central District ⁠Court found that ​Han, 83, was involved ​in providing money to ‌politicians and luxury goods to former first lady Kim ⁠Keon Hee through an intermediary, according to the ruling.

Han ⁠denied ‌wrongdoing, saying ⁠she had no ​interest ‌in politics and ​that subordinates ⁠had acted without her knowledge.

(Reporting by Jack Kim and Joyce LeeEditing by Ed ​Davies)