South Korean Court Sentences Unification Church Leader Han Hak-ja to Two Years for Corruption Tied to Ousted Yoon Administration

A South Korean court on August 31, 2026 sentenced Han Hak-ja, the 83-year-old president of the Unification Church, to two years in prison for bribery and illegal political funding tied to the ousted Yoon Suk-yeol administration. Han was convicted of delivering expensive necklaces to former first lady Kim Keon-hee and channeling illegal political funds to a pro-Yoon lawmaker. The special prosecution had demanded 13 years. The case, subject to appeal, is notable for imposing an active prison term on a senior religious leader in a first-instance ruling.