Han Hak-ja, the esteemed leader of the Unification Church, recently underwent questioning by prosecutors in South Korea. The interrogation on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, is part of an ongoing criminal investigation into the former presidential couple, focusing on allegations that Ms. Han was involved in bribing the wife of the ousted President, Yoon Suk Yeol.
Upon her arrival at the special prosecutor’s office, Ms. Han chose not to address reporters’ questions concerning the accusations against her. When pressed by reporters about her decision to finally appear for questioning, after initially refusing earlier summons, she simply stated, ‘I’ve been unwell.’
Revered by her followers as ‘True Mother,’ Ms. Han is the widow of the Unification Church’s founder, Moon Sun-myung, who passed away in 2012. With the help of her aides, Han slowly navigated through a crowd of eager reporters and security personnel after exiting her vehicle. As she entered the prosecutors’ building, a church official’s supportive cry of ‘Mother, hang in there!’ echoed through the crowd.
The special prosecutor’s team confirmed that an ambulance, arranged by Ms. Han, remained on standby throughout her interrogation.
In a related development, former First Lady Kim Keon Hee was previously indicted for bribery and other charges, stemming from a broader investigation into alleged misconduct during her husband’s presidency. She has since been imprisoned as part of this ongoing probe.
Ms. Han is accused of directing the Unification Church to provide bribes to the former first lady and Kweon Seong-dong, a seasoned lawmaker and close associate of former President Yoon. Han has consistently refuted these allegations.
Kweon Seong-dong, a member of the conservative People Power Party, was detained on Wednesday. Prosecutors cited concerns that he might attempt to destroy evidence. Mr. Kweon has, however, denied receiving any bribes from the church.
Deputy Special Prosecutor Kim Hyong Kun informed reporters on Wednesday that Ms. Han fully cooperated during questioning, choosing not to exercise her right to remain silent. She reportedly answered all questions pertaining to alleged violations of political funding and anti-corruption laws. Given her voluntary appearance for interrogation, prosecutors are not currently contemplating issuing an arrest warrant for Ms. Han, according to Kim.
Meanwhile, former President Yoon Suk Yeol, also currently in detention, faces trial on insurrection charges brought by a separate special prosecutor. These charges relate to his alleged failed attempt to declare martial law.
The allegations against Ms. Kim detail her acceptance of bribes totaling 80 million won (approximately $57,958). These gifts, which reportedly included two Chanel bags and a diamond necklace, were allegedly provided by a Unification Church official in exchange for her influence in advancing the church’s business interests. Kim’s legal team has vehemently denied all allegations, including those concerning her receipt of gifts. Ms. Han has dismissed the accusations against her as ‘false information.’
The church official identified by prosecutors as the source of the alleged bribes has been arrested and indicted for charges including violations of anti-corruption laws.