Seoul: A Seoul court has issued a warrant for the arrest of Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja over allegations of bribery connected to former first lady Kim Keon Hee. The Seoul Central District Court made the decision, citing concerns about potential evidence destruction. The request for the warrant was made by Special Counsel Min Joong-ki's team, based on charges including violations of the Political Funds Act, the anti-graft law, subornation of evidence destruction, and embezzlement.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Han is accused of collaborating with a former church official, identified by the surname Yun, to provide 100 million won (approximately US$72,400) to People Power Party Representative Kweon Seong-dong in 2022. This payment was allegedly made in exchange for political favors for the church during the presidential campaign of Yoon Suk Yeol, who eventually won the election.
Further accusations against Han include her involvement in gifting luxury items, such as a necklace and Chanel bags, to Yoon's wife, Kim, while soliciting favors. It is alleged that these gifts were purchased using embezzled church funds and that Han ordered Yun to destroy evidence ahead of a police investigation into her suspected overseas gambling activities.
The Unification Church has refuted the allegations against Han, asserting that the former church official acted independently in the supposed offenses.