Han Hak-ja, leader of the Unification Church in South Korea, appeared at the special prosecutor's office on 17/9 to answer questions related to allegations of bribing Kim Keon-hee, wife of former President Yoon Suk-yeol. The questioning of Han is part of a criminal investigation into Yoon and his wife.

Han, 81, often referred to as "True Mother" by followers, is the widow of Sun Myung Moon, the founder of the Unification Church. When asked why she did not appear at three previous summons, Han explained that she was unwell.

The church said Han recently underwent heart surgery. An ambulance prepared by the church was also stationed outside the special prosecutor's office. A senior church official loudly encouraged "Mother, please try your best" as Han entered the office.

The Unification Church, officially known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, was founded by Korean pastor Sun Myung Moon in 1954. In 2022, they claimed to have about 10 million followers worldwide, with approximately 200,000-300,000 members in South Korea.

Han Hak-ja, leader of the Unification Church in South Korea, arrives at the special prosecutor's office in Seoul on 17/9. Photo: Reuters

Han Hak-ja, leader of the Unification Church in South Korea, arrives at the special prosecutor's office in Seoul on 17/9. Photo: Reuters

Deputy special prosecutor Kim Hyong-kun said that during the questioning, Han answered questions related to alleged violations of political funding and anti-corruption laws.

Prosecutors have not sought an arrest warrant for Han, as she voluntarily appeared, but previously issued a travel ban against the Unification Church leader. On 21/7, prosecutors searched 10 locations related to the church to gather evidence.

Han is accused of directing senior members of the church to spend money and buy luxury gifts to bribe Kim Keon-hee, securing favors for the church during Yoon's time in office. Prosecutors allege that Kim received gifts worth 80 million won (nearly 58,000 USD), including two Chanel bags and a diamond necklace, from the church.

Han is also accused, along with another church member, of giving 100 million won to lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong, a senior member of the People Power Party (PPP) and a close ally of Yoon. Prosecutors said Kweon was detained to prevent the destruction of evidence, though Kweon denies all allegations.

Han has previously stated that all accusations against her are fabricated. The Unification Church expressed "regret" for not preventing the wrongdoing of a former official but denied it was an organized violation. Han's side maintains that any bribery, if it occurred, was carried out independently by the former senior church member, and she was not involved.

Thanh Danh (Reuters, Yonhap)