Unification Church leader questioned in probe into South Korea’s former first lady

SEOUL - The leader of the Unification Church, Ms Han Hak-ja, appeared for questioning by prosecutors on Sept 17 over her alleged involvement in bribing the wife of ousted South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol, as part of a criminal probe into the former first couple.

After more than nine hours, Ms Han left the prosecutor’s office in a wheelchair, passing through a media scrum. She denied the allegations, and responded strongly “No!” when asked if she ordered bribery.

An ambulance arranged by Ms Han was on standby while she was interrogated, according to the special prosecutor’s team.

“I’ve been unwell,” she said, when asked why she had chosen to respond to questioning, after refusing earlier summons. Ms Han, who is called “True Mother” by followers, is the widow of Unification Church founder Moon Sun-myung, who died in 2012.

Former first lady indicted on bribery, other charges

The special prosecutor has indicted former first lady Kim Keon Hee for bribery and other charges in a widening probe into several charges of wrongdoing by her before and during Yoon’s presidency. Kim has been imprisoned as part of the probe.

Ms Han has been accused of instructing the religious group to bribe the former first lady and Mr Kweon Seong-dong, a veteran lawmaker and close confidante of Yoon.

Mr Kweon from the conservative People Power Party was detained on Sept 17 over concerns he could destroy evidence, prosecutors said. Mr Kweon has denied that he took bribes from the church.

Mr Kim Hyong-kun, deputy special prosecutor, told reporters on Sept 17 that Ms Han did not exercise her right to remain silent and answered questions well related to allegations of violating political funding and anti-graft laws.

The prosecutors were not currently considering issuing an arrest warrant for Ms Han, since she had come in for questioning, Mr Kim said.

Yoon, who is also in detention, is on trial over insurrection charges levelled against him by a separate special prosecutor related to Yoon’s botched bid to declare martial law.

Chanel bags and diamond necklaces

Kim is accused of receiving bribes worth 80 million won (S$73,900) that include two Chanel bags and a diamond necklace from an official at the Unification Church in return for using her influence to help the church’s business interests.

The church official has been arrested and indicted on charges including violating anti-graft laws.

Kim’s lawyers have denied the allegations against her, including over her receiving gifts.

Ms Han has also denied personal involvement in any illegal actions, calling allegations against her “false information”.

The Unification Church, formally called the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, said previously it was "deeply regrettable" that it failed to prevent the misconduct of a former senior official, but denied any involvement in the case.

Founded in South Korea in the 1950s by self-declared messiah Moon and known for its mass weddings, the group has faced criticism for its fundraising and other issues, most recently a political scandal in Japan in the wake of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s assassination.

The Unification Church posted a note on its website calling for its members to pray for Ms Han and refrain from holding rallies to plead her innocence.

“Only quiet prayer and fervent devotion can lead us to be with Her.” REUTERS