SEOUL—Han Hak Ja Moon, the leader of the Unification Church and the focus of the so-called "political-religious collusion scandal" involving the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, appeared in court for her detention hearing today. This marks the first time since she became the sole leader of the church in 2012 that she faces potential arrest on criminal charges.
Han arrived at the Seoul Central District Court at approximately 12:53 PM KST to attend the pre-arrest warrant review presided over by Senior Judge Jung Jae-wook. Upon her arrival, she did not respond to reporters' questions regarding whether she considers the allegations to be a "personal deviation" of a former church official or if she gave New Year's money and a tie to People Power Party lawmaker Kwon Seong-dong. She was seen being escorted in a wheelchair with her eyes closed as she entered the courthouse.
Han is facing charges of violating the Political Funds Act, the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, obstruction of justice, and embezzlement. The special prosecutor's team, led by Special Prosecutor Min Joong-ki, filed the arrest warrant on September 18.
Key Allegations Against Han Hak Ja Moon:
Political Funds Act Violation: Han is suspected of conspiring with a former international headquarters director, Mr. Yoon, to deliver ₩100 million in political funds to Rep. Kwon Seong-dong in January 2022. The funds were allegedly provided in exchange for the Yoon administration's support for the Unification Church.
Improper Solicitation and Graft Act Violation: Between April and July 2022, she is accused of being involved in handing over an expensive necklace and a Chanel bag to Kim Keon-hee, the First Lady, through a shaman known as "Geonjin Beopsa" Jeon Seong-bae, in exchange for favors related to church matters.
Embezzlement: Han allegedly used church funds to purchase the necklace and bag for the First Lady.
Obstruction of Justice: She is accused of instructing Mr. Yoon to destroy evidence related to an investigation into her own alleged gambling activities in October 2022.
A separate charge of violating the Political Party Act, which alleges she instructed followers to join the People Power Party to support Rep. Kwon's bid for party leader, was not included in the current arrest warrant.
Another individual, Mr. Jung, a former chief of staff and a high-ranking official within the church, also had a warrant review scheduled for 4 PM KST. He is considered a key accomplice in many of the alleged crimes.
The Unification Church has stated that the special prosecutor's attempt to detain Han, an 83-year-old suffering from various health issues, including recent heart surgery and eye conditions, is an "unreasonable investigation." They argue that her detention could lead to "irreversible health deterioration," and that she poses no flight risk or risk of evidence tampering.
A decision on her arrest is expected as early as this evening or by tomorrow morning.
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