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Family Federation for World Peace and Unification leader Hak Ja Han Moon was arrested on September 22, 2025, on allegations of directing bribery and embezzlement efforts tied to South Korean political figures. Prosecutors allege that Moon, known to followers as the “Mother of Peace” and “True Mother,” oversaw the funneling of luxury gifts and around 80 million won to former President Yoon Suk-yeol’s wife, First Lady Kim Keon Hee in exchange for favorable treatment of church business interests. The Seoul Central District Court issued the arrest warrant one day after South Korean prosecutors requested it, citing Moon’s potential to tamper with evidence after she had already undergone multiple rounds of questioning by investigators.  The church leader has denied ordering any illegal political favors, insisting that any crime was committed independently by an unnamed former church senior official, according to the church’s public statements following her arrest. The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, more commonly known as the Unification church, is known for its mass weddings, political and social involvement, and its belief that founder Sun Myung Moon was the Messiah fulfilling Jesus’ mission. “True Father” Sun Myung Moon and “True Mother” Hak Ja Han Moon’s core beliefs and goals revolved around establishing a Kingdom of Heaven on Earth through “true families” and unifying North and South Korea. Follwing Sun Myung Moon’s passing on September 3, 2012, his wife assumed leadership and expanded the church’s influence through a network of businesses, media holdings, and international religious events, despite facing criticism for its fundraising practices and political motivations. The case has intensified scrutiny on the already highly criticized group, examining historical ties between the church and political groups in South Korea as well as raising questions about the boundaries between religious authority and political influence. Demian Dunkley, a former president of the Unification Church’s  U.S. branch said in an online commentary that Moon is struggling under inhumane conditions in detention, describing a small, poorly ventilated cell where she sleeps on thin blankets, eats a largely liquid diet, and is forced to wash her own and only clothes. The church leader also suffers from chronic heart failure, severe hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and worsening eyesight. Dunkley also stated that due to her deteriorating physical condition, the 82-year-old has been crawling on her hands and knees to move around her cell.

The church and its supporters assert that the situation amounts to religious persecution, indicating that the South Korean justice system is disproportionately targeting the church leader because of her outward political and ideological beliefs. Beyond Unification church members, the arrest and Moon’s prison condition prompts questions about whether her advanced age and health needs are being respected. The scandal unfolds amid ongoing investigations into former President Yoon, including allegations of attempted martial law, influence over public broadcasters, and involvement in other corruption schemes. The next steps in the investigation are expected to involve the tracing of financial records, testimonies from high-ranking church officials and further examined her personal involvement. As the investigations continue, the 82-year-old, ailing church leader will remain in custody.