Arrest warrant sought for S. Korean church leader over alleged bribery

South Korean prosecutors on Sept 18 requested an arrest warrant for the leader of the Unification Church, Ms Han Hak-ja, on allegations of bribery linked to the country’s former first lady and incitement to destroy evidence.

- 

The move came a day after the 82-year-old was questioned over her alleged role in bribing former first lady Kim Keon Hee and a prominent lawmaker.

Founded in 1954 by her late husband Moon Sun-myung, the Unification Church has long been the subject of controversy and criticism, with its teachings centred on Moon’s role as the Second Coming, its mass weddings and a cult-like culture.

Followers are derisively referred to as “Moonies”.

But the church’s reach extends far beyond religion, spanning businesses from the media to tourism to food distribution.

Ms Han assumed leadership of the church after Moon’s death in 2012.