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Unification Church Leader Han Hak-ja Faces Travel Ban in Bribery Investigation

South Korean prosecutors investigate claims of luxury gifts to former first lady Kim Keon Hee, allegedly tied to church interests.

Shaman Jeon Seong-bae, also known as Geon Jin, attends a trial session at the Seoul Southern District Court in Seoul in this May 12, 2025, file photo. (Yonhap)
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Overview

  • Prosecutors have barred Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja from leaving South Korea as part of a bribery probe.
  • The investigation centers on allegations that a church official gifted a diamond necklace and Chanel bags to Kim Keon Hee via shaman Jeon Seong-bae in 2022.
  • Authorities are examining whether Han sanctioned or tacitly approved the gifts, which may have been offered in exchange for favors benefiting the church.
  • The Unification Church denies institutional involvement, attributing the actions to individual motivations unrelated to its mission.
  • Investigators confirmed the Chanel bags were delivered and exchanged by a staff member, but the diamond necklace remains unaccounted for.