Disputed Church Leader Denies Bribery Accusations Involving Ex-South Korea President's Wife
The head, leader of the much-debated religious movement, has firmly rejected accusations that her church gave high-end presents to South Korea's former president's wife to secure business privileges.
When confronted by reporters after an extended session of interrogation at the investigative agency, she flatly rejected the allegations, stating, "No... Why should I engage in such acts?"
Former presidential spouse Kim Keon Hee, wife of ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol, is accused of accepting a pair of Chanel bags and a luxury jewelry item valued at $57,900.
Kim was formally charged last month on multiple counts, including graft and stock manipulation, all of which she contests.
The detention represented the first time in the country that both a former president and former first lady have been jailed.
Yoon was taken into custody in early this year to face trial over a failed martial law attempt previously that plunged the nation into chaos.
During questioning, Han pinned the blame on a ex- member, stating that the person acted independently when offering gifts to Kim. That individual has now been taken into custody.
Her appearance followed declining multiple summons from the special prosecutor. She stated, "I was in discomfort following heart operation."
An ambulance was made available throughout her questioning, as reported by reports.
Also on Wednesday, authorities arrested conservative lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong, who is accused of receiving 100 million won in improper payments from the church. Kweon, once regarded as a trusted ally of Yoon, denied the allegation.
The Unification Church, also called The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, was founded in the country in the mid-twentieth century by Moon Sun-myung, who declared himself the messiah.
It is recognized for holding large-scale marriage ceremonies with numerous of participants, many of which would have only just been paired by the institution.
Detractors have described the group as "sect-like". Lawyers have accused it of pressuring devotees, known as "members" after its founder, to contribute significant amounts of money.
The Unification Church received widespread attention in Japan after the assassination of ex-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The accused individual held responsible the organization for bankrupting his household and expressed resentment toward Abe for allegedly promoting it.
The group is prohibited in several countries, such as Singapore and the island nation.
