Disputed Religious Head Rejects Bribery Allegations Involving Former South Korean First Lady
The head, leader of the much-debated religious movement, has strongly refuted accusations that her organization gave luxury presents to the ex- first lady to secure business favors.
When confronted by reporters after nine hours of interrogation at the prosecutor's office, she flatly rejected the claims, remarking, "No... Why should I engage in such acts?"
Ex- presidential spouse Kim Keon Hee, spouse of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, is accused of accepting two Chanel bags and a luxury jewelry item worth $57,900.
Kim was formally charged last month on multiple counts, such as graft and securities fraud, all of which she contests.
Her arrest marked the initial instance in South Korea that both a former president and ex-first spouse have been detained.
Yoon was detained in January to face trial over a failed martial law bid last year that plunged the country into chaos.
During questioning, Han pinned the blame on a ex- church official, claiming that the person acted on his own when offering gifts to Kim. That individual has since been taken into custody.
Her appearance followed refusing multiple requests from the special prosecutor. She stated, "I had been in discomfort after heart surgery."
An ambulance was put on standby during her interrogation, according to sources.
Separately, authorities detained conservative lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong, who is accused of receiving a substantial sum in bribes from the church. Kweon, once seen as a close confidante of Yoon, rejected the allegation.
The Unification Church, formally known as The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, was established in South Korea in the 1950s by Moon Sun-myung, who proclaimed himself the messiah.
It is recognized for organizing large-scale marriage ceremonies with numerous of participants, some of whom may have only recently been matched by the institution.
Detractors have labeled the group as "sect-like". Lawyers have alleged it of pressuring followers, referred to as "Moonies" in reference to its founder, to donate significant amounts of funds.
The Unification Church gained significant scrutiny in Japan after the assassination of ex-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The alleged assassin held responsible the organization for financially ruining his family and expressed resentment against Abe for allegedly promoting it.
It is banned in several countries, such as the city-state and the island nation.
