South Korea court gives Unification Church leader 2 years in prison

A Seoul court sentenced Han Hak-ja, 83, leader of the Unification Church, to two years in prison for bribing officials including former first lady Kim Keon Hee with luxury items such as a designer handbag, in an alleged bid to secure policy favors. Prosecutors had sought 13 years; Han arrived for sentencing in a wheelchair, in hospital pajamas, and returned to the hospital afterward under a court-approved stay tied to health issues.

The church, which claims 10 million followers worldwide and holds business interests in media, education and food distribution, said it disagreed with the ruling and would appeal, denying Han directed or approved the bribery. Other allegations include funneling illegal funds to a former lawmaker now imprisoned for bribery.

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