Overview

• The Seoul Central District Court approved an arrest warrant citing a risk of evidence destruction, and special prosecutors detained Han, 82, on political funds and related charges.
• She has been placed in a solitary cell at the Seoul Detention Center, where former president Yoon Seok‑yeol is also confined in an unrelated case.
• Investigators say Han conspired with former executive Yun Yong‑ho in 2022 to provide high‑value items, including a Graff diamond necklace and Chanel bags, to Yoon’s wife and close aides in pursuit of favors for church projects.
• Han denies the allegations, with her legal team citing her age and cardiac treatment needs, and the Japanese branch of the church called the detention regrettable.
• Japan‑based victims’ lawyers urged authorities to trace funds believed remitted from Japan for possible restitution, as the church circulates multilingual videos highlighting support from prominent political figures to rally followers.