Unification church Leader Denies Directing bribes to South Korean first Lady adn Politician
Seoul, South Korea – the leader of South Korea’s controversial Unification Church, Han Hak-ja, has publicly denied directing the organization to offer bribes to former First Lady Kim Keon Hee and a prominent politician linked to ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol. The denial comes as the church faces intense scrutiny amidst a criminal investigation into Yoon and his wife.
On Friday, special prosecutors indicted Kim Keon Hee on bribery and related charges, part of a broadening investigation encompassing a past martial law crisis and a series of scandals surrounding the former presidential couple. Kim stands accused of accepting approximately 80 million won (roughly $57,631 USD) in gifts – including two Chanel handbags and a diamond necklace – from a church official in exchange for leveraging her influence to benefit the church’s business ventures.
Kweon Seong-dong, a veteran politician and close ally of former President Yoon, is also under investigation for allegedly receiving illicit political funding from the same church official. Kweon has vehemently denied these accusations.
In a statement released Sunday, and read by an announcer standing beside her, Han Hak-ja asserted, ”False information is being spread that our church provided illegal political funds under my directive.” she continued, “I take this opportunity to state this clearly: I have never directed any illegal political favors or financial transactions.” This marks her first public address directly addressing the ongoing investigation.
Lawyers representing Kim Keon Hee have also issued denials regarding the bribery allegations and the acceptance of gifts.
authorities have already arrested and indicted the church official believed to be the central figure in the bribery scheme, charging them wiht violations of anti-graft laws.
The Unification Church, officially known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, previously expressed regret for the misconduct of the former senior official but maintained it was not directly involved in the alleged bribery.
the investigation continues to unfold, raising questions about the relationship between the Unification Church and high-ranking figures in South Korean politics.
Keywords: South Korea, Unification Church, Kim Keon Hee, Yoon Suk Yeol, Bribery, Political Scandal, Han Hak-ja, Kweon Seong-dong, Investigation, Seoul.
