Seoul: Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja was arrested on Tuesday over bribery charges connected to former first lady Kim Keon Hee. The Seoul Central District Court issued an arrest warrant for Han, citing concerns that she might destroy evidence related to the case.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the arrest follows a request from special counsel Min Joong-ki's team, which accused Han of violating the Political Funds Act, the anti-graft law, subornation of evidence destruction, and embezzlement. The church responded to the warrant issuance by stating, "We humbly accept the court's decision. We will faithfully engage in the forthcoming investigation and trial to determine the truth, and do our best to use this as an occasion to restore trust in our church. We sincerely apologize for causing concern to the people."
Han is accused of collaborating with a former church official, Yun, to provide 100 million won (US$72,400) to People Power Party (PPP) Rep. Kweon Seong-dong in 2022. The money was allegedly given in exchange for favors for the church should Yoon Suk Yeol win the presidential election, which he did. Han is also suspected of gifting a luxury necklace and Chanel bags to Yoon's wife, Kim, while seeking favors, using embezzled church funds for the gifts, and instructing Yun to destroy evidence amid an investigation into her alleged overseas gambling.
The church denies Han's involvement, attributing the offenses solely to the former church official. During a court hearing, Han's defense argued her innocence, claiming she has no interest or substantial knowledge of South Korean politics.
Following the court's decision, Han was taken to Seoul Detention Center. The special counsel's investigation may expand to explore claims that the church had its followers join the PPP to support Kweon's leadership bid in 2023. Han had previously avoided three summonses due to health issues but appeared for questioning last week after Kweon's arrest on related charges.
In a separate decision, the court rejected a request to arrest Han's former chief of staff, Jeong, citing insufficient support for the suspicions against her.