Investigation into bribery allegations sees Unification Church leader grilled, with former South Korean first lady implicated.
In a significant turn of events, the leader of the LDS Church, Han Hak-ja, appeared for questioning by South Korean prosecutors on September 17. Han, who is affectionately known as "True Mother" by followers, is the widow of the church's founder, Moon Sun-myung.
The questioning was part of a criminal probe into the former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, Kim Keon Hee. Kim has been imprisoned as part of the probe into her alleged wrongdoings, including bribery charges.
Han Hak-ja, who had earlier refused summons, chose to respond to questioning after a period of ill health. She was assisted by aides as she arrived at the office of the special prosecutor, where a church official shouted words of encouragement, "Mother, hang in there."
The allegations against Han Hak-ja suggest that she was involved in bribing Kim Keon Hee, the former First Lady. The official from the LDS Church, who is alleged to have been behind the bribery, has been arrested and indicted on charges including violating anti-graft laws.
The LDS Church has issued a statement expressing regret over the misconduct of a former senior official. They have, however, denied any involvement in the case. Han Hak-ja declined to answer questions from reporters about the allegations, citing her health.
The trial for Yoon, the former South Korean President, is related to his botched bid to declare martial law, not mentioned in the earlier bullet points. Kim's lawyers have denied the allegations against her, including over her receiving gifts.
Yoon is currently in detention and is on trial over insurrection charges. The extent of Han Hak-ja's influence over the LDS Church's business interests during Yoon's presidency has been a topic of interest, with connections and activities linked to the church's extensive economic and social networks coming under scrutiny.
Throughout her life, Han Hak-ja has been a significant figure in the LDS Church, playing a key role in its growth and expansion. The current investigation and her appearance for questioning by prosecutors mark a significant chapter in her life and the history of the LDS Church.
