On the 4th, Kim Keon-hee Special Investigation Team announced that it plans to summon Han Hak-ja, the leader of the Unification Church, for questioning on the 8th regarding the 'allegations of solicitation by Geonjin Beopsa and the Unification Church.'
On this day, Park Sang-jin, special prosecutor, said in a press briefing, "The special investigation team has notified Han Hak-ja, the leader of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, to appear on the 8th," and added, "We have not received any notices related to attendance, such as a non-attendance justification from (the leader's) attorney."
Additionally, Park noted regarding the controversy that special prosecutor Min Jung-ki met separately with the leader's attorney, "Last week, an attorney from BAE, KIM & LEE LLC met with the designated special prosecutor for another case and stopped by the special investigation office on the way back to exchange greetings with special prosecutor Min Jung-ki," and added, "That attorney did not disclose that they were the attorney for the Unification Church case, and there were no related arguments, only everyday greetings were exchanged."
Previously, it was revealed that Lee Mo, the leader's attorney, met with special prosecutor Min. This attorney was reported to have been a presiding judge for special prosecutor Min in the past.
Park said, "The special investigation team, from the perspective of ensuring the right to counsel, case security, and work efficiency, is receiving arguments from attorneys unless there are exceptional circumstances," and added, "We will always do our best to avoid undermining the fairness and equity of the investigation."
The Kim Keon-hee Special Investigation Team is looking into allegations that Kweon Seong-dong, a member of the People Power Party, met with the leader on the eve of the 2022 presidential election, performed a deep bow, and received a shopping bag presumed to contain money. There are also allegations that Kweon received 100 million won from Yoon Young-ho, the former head of the Unification Church, who has been jailed and indicted. It is alleged that Yoon handed over expensive diamond necklaces and Chanel bags to Mrs. Kim through Geonjin Beopsa's Jeon Seong-bae from April to July 2022, soliciting issues related to the denomination.
In this regard, Han Hak-ja stated on the 31st of last month, "I have never instructed any illegal political solicitations or monetary transactions." Subsequently, it was reported that the leader underwent heart-related procedures at Seoul Asan Medical Center on the 3rd, ahead of her scheduled summon for questioning.
Meanwhile, the special investigation team announced that it is currently questioning Yoon Young-ho, the former Deputy Minister, from 1:30 p.m., and Jeon Seong-bae from 2 p.m. on the same day.
The special investigation team stated that since the detention period for Jeon expires on the 9th, it plans to detain and indict him on the 8th.