Unveiling 'True Mother': Han Hak-Ja'S Scandalous Journey With The Unification Church

From Teenage Bride to Holy Matriarch

The riveting saga of Han Hak-ja continues to capture global attention as the 82-year-old figurehead of the Unification Church finds herself embroiled in fresh controversy. Known to her followers as the ‘True Mother,’ Han is facing serious bribery and lobbying allegations in Korea while overseeing her church's court-mandated dissolution in Japan. These twin crises have reignited discussions about her claims to messianic status and the controversial fundraising practices of her church.

Han first stepped into the limelight as a 17-year-old bride, marrying Moon Sun-myung, the church's founder, who was 23 years her senior. Raised in a devout Christian family in postwar Korea, she quickly rose to become Moon's spiritual counterpart. Together, they presented their marriage and 14 children as the epitome of a 'true family'—a core belief of the church. The mass weddings she co-conducted with Moon became iconic events, marrying thousands of couples across the globe.

“She has always positioned herself as a divine figure, claiming to be the ‘only begotten daughter of God,’ a counterpart to Moon’s ‘only begotten son’ status,” commented a former church insider.

Consolidated Power and Rising Controversies

Following Moon’s death in 2012, Han swiftly took control of the church's core assets, presenting herself as his rightful successor. She transitioned from a supportive spouse to a leader in her own right, adopting titles that emphasized her spiritual authority. Her assertive leadership reshaped the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification into a centralized structure, where devotion to the 'True Mother' became paramount.

In her 2020 autobiography, Han depicted herself as the 'Mother of Peace,' a previously obscured feminine aspect of the divine. Her writings suggest an imbalance in world history that has been male-dominated, leaving the 'Heavenly Mother' status unfulfilled. Under her leadership, the church's influence expanded into an extensive business empire, owning significant properties like the historic New Yorker Hotel and Yongpyong Ski Resort.

Scandals and Legal Challenges

Han's dominance extends to media enterprises, including United Press International and The Washington Times. Critics, however, argue that these platforms are exploited to shield the church's interests. Her leadership faces backlash from those claiming financial ruin through excessive donations. The situation came to a head with the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, linked to grievances against the church.

Prosecutors in Korea allege that Han spearheaded efforts to buy political influence, denying all charges and pointing fingers at a former aide. However, the investigation presents her as the driving force behind these ambitious lobbying attempts. Despite the mounting legal battles, Han remains a polarizing figure within the movement, hailed by followers as the 'Mother of Humankind' and a tireless advocate for peace and family values.