Unification Church Leader Denies Bribery Allegations Involving Former First Lady

Han Hak-ja, the 82-year-old leader of the Unification Church, firmly rejected accusations that she orchestrated the gifting of luxury items to Kim Keon Hee, South Korea's former first lady, in return for political favors. Emerging from a nine-hour questioning by prosecutors, Han said: "No... Why would I do that?" as she left the office, supported by assistants.

Prosecutors allege that Kim Keon Hee, wife of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, received two Chanel bags and a diamond necklace valued at 80 million won ($57,900) from the church in exchange for influence. Kim faces charges including bribery and stock manipulation, which she denies. Her case marked the first time a former first lady was indicted alongside her husband, who is also detained on martial law abuse charges.

Han blamed a former church official, now arrested, for independently offering the gifts. She had initially ignored three subpoenas, citing recovery from heart surgery while an ambulance stood by during her questioning.

On the same day, prosecutors also detained conservative lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong over an alleged 100 million won bribe from the church. Kweon, once considered close to President Yoon, denies wrongdoing.

Founded by Moon Sun-myung in the 1950s, the Unification Church, or Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, is known for its mass wedding ceremonies and contested by critics as a cult. It has faced legal bans in Singapore and Japan, following controversy after the assassination of former Japanese leader Shinzo Abe by an individual who blamed the church for his family's bankruptcy.

Han Hak-ja denies directing any bribery, attributing the gift offers to a rogue church official, while investigations expand to include top political figures.

This report was filed by BBC.

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