출처 : SONOW
Han Hak-ja, leader of the Unification Church, voluntarily appeared before the Kim Keon-hee special prosecutor's office on the morning of September 17 for questioning regarding allegations of political lobbying and influence peddling. Her appearance came after refusing three previous summons, citing health issues following recent surgery.
Voluntary Appearance After Three Refusals and Health Claims
Han arrived at the special prosecutor's office located in the KT Gwanghwamun Building West in Jongno-gu, Seoul, at approximately 9:47 AM. Wearing a beige cardigan and appearing to have mobility difficulties, she was assisted by companions as she entered the building.
When reporters asked about allegations including Did you deliver 100 million won to lawmaker Kwon Seong-dong?
and Did you instruct the delivery of necklaces and bags to Kim Keon-hee?
, Han avoided direct answers, saying Ask me later.
Regarding her delayed appearance, she stated I was sick. I had surgery and was in pain.
The special prosecutor's team had issued three summons to Han on September 8, 11, and 15, all of which were refused by her legal team citing health recovery needs following cardiac procedures. Facing potential arrest warrant implications, Han's side announced on September 16 their intention to appear voluntarily despite incomplete health recovery.
Investigation Intensifies Following Lawmaker's Arrest
Han's appearance occurred immediately after the arrest of ruling party lawmaker Kwon Seong-dong on charges of receiving illegal political funds from the Unification Church. Seoul Central District Court issued the arrest warrant, citing concerns about evidence destruction.
Kwon is accused of receiving 100 million won in illegal political funds from former Unification Church World Headquarters Director Yoon Young-ho in January 2022, allegedly in exchange for requesting support for the Unification Church from the Yoon Suk-yeol administration.
Han faces charges of conspiring with former director Yoon to deliver political funds along with lobbying requests to lawmaker Kwon, marking a significant escalation in the investigation into the religious organization's political influence activities.
Five Criminal Charges Under Comprehensive Investigation
The special prosecutor's team is investigating Han on five distinct charges: violation of political funds law, violation of anti-graft law, violation of political party law, occupational embezzlement, and obstruction of evidence. Investigators reportedly prepared approximately 50 pages of questions for the interrogation.
Han also faces allegations of delivering an 80-million-won Graff necklace and Chanel bag to Kim Keon-hee between April and July 2022 through intermediary Jeon Seong-bae of Geonjin Temple, while making lobbying requests regarding church affairs.
The special prosecutor's team believes Han approached the former presidential couple to realize the Unification Church's unity of politics and religion
ideology, representing a systematic attempt to influence government policy through personal relationships and valuable gifts.
Systematic Political Influence Operation Under Scrutiny
Special Prosecutor spokesperson Kim Hyeong-geun explained that Today's investigation occurs after the suspect refused three official summons, observed the arrest status of co-conspirators, and unilaterally selected a preferred date without consulting the special prosecutor's office.
The investigation represents part of a broader examination of the Unification Church's systematic attempts to influence Korean politics through financial contributions, valuable gifts, and personal lobbying efforts targeting high-level government officials and their families.
The special prosecutor's team stated they will handle this case strictly according to legal principles and procedures going forward.
Han's interrogation began at 10 AM and was ongoing at the time of reporting, with the comprehensive nature of the charges suggesting extensive questioning regarding the church's political activities and influence operations.