Seoul: Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja appeared before a special counsel team Wednesday to undergo questioning over allegations of bribery linked to former first lady Kim Keon Hee. Han arrived at special counsel Min Joong-ki's office in central Seoul, propped up by an assistant, after snubbing three earlier summonses over what she said were health issues following a heart procedure.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Han is suspected of colluding with a former church official in 2022 to hand 100 million won (US$72,400) to People Power Party Rep. Kweon Seong-dong in exchange for his help in gaining favors for the church in the event of Yoon Suk Yeol's election as president later that year. Yoon went on to win the election. Han is also suspected of involvement in gifting a luxury necklace and Chanel bags to Yoon's wife, Kim, while requesting favors the same year.
"I wasn't feeling well," Han told reporters when asked why she did not comply with the earlier summonses. "I'm not well after surgery." Han's side has denied her involvement in the alleged bribery, saying it was carried out by the former church official alone.
Kweon, meanwhile, was placed in custody earlier in the day after a court issued a warrant for his arrest on charges of receiving the 100 million won. Han's appearance came after the special counsel team indicated it could seek a warrant to detain her.