Overview
- Special prosecutors asked the Seoul Central District Court on Friday for a 13-year prison sentence for Han Hak‑ja, the 83-year-old president of the World Peace and Unification Family Federation.
- Han is charged with violating the Political Funds Act and a ban on solicitation for allegedly giving 100 million won and luxury goods to figures in the circle of former president Yoon to secure favors for the church.
- The Supreme Court on July 9 dismissed an appeal by a former church executive, finalizing a 1 year and 6 month sentence and finding the acts were organizational crimes approved by Han, a finding prosecutors cited at the sentencing hearing.
- Han has denied the charges and remains on court-authorized temporary medical release that began in late March and has been extended through late July with strict limits on movement and visitation.
- The case has already led to appellate prison sentences for people tied to the former president’s circle and comes as the church faces cross-border scrutiny, including a disbandment order in Japan and tighter political oversight in South Korea.