A pre-arrest interrogation (warrant review) for Han Hak-ja, president of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (Unification Church), sought by the special counsel investigating Kim Keon-hee, will be held at the Seoul Central District Court on the 22nd. On the same day, a warrant review will also be held for former chief of staff Jeong Won-ju.
In a notice to the press on the 18th, the special counsel said, "The warrant review for Family Federation for World Peace and Unification President Han Hak-ja is set for 1:30 p.m. on the 22nd, and for Mr. Jeong Won-ju at 4 p.m. the same day." The warrant reviews for President Han and former chief of staff Jeong will be held in Courtroom 319, West Building, Seoul Central District Court.
That morning, the special counsel sought arrest warrants for President Han and former chief of staff Jeong on charges including violations of the Political Funds Act.
Regarding this, the Unification Church said, "We express profound concern along with a devastated feeling regarding the request for arrest warrants," adding, "It appears the special counsel acted with an eye to public opinion and its track record rather than the law, which is deeply regrettable."
The special counsel believes that in 2022, former Unification Church World Headquarters head Yun Yeong-ho instructed and approved, through shaman Jeon Seong-bae (Geonjinbeopsa), the delivery to first lady Kim Keon-hee of a Chanel luxury-brand bag and a Graff necklace, and that this was done by order of President Han. The special counsel also concluded that President Han was involved when former headquarters head Yun delivered at least 100 million won in illegal political funds to People Power Party lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong.
President Han also faces a charge of violating the Political Parties Act for allegedly orchestrating the mass enrollment of Unification Church members as party members ahead of the People Power Party convention in Mar. 2023. In addition, around Oct. 2022, she is suspected of abetting the destruction of evidence to quash an investigation into overseas high-stakes gambling in which she was implicated.
President Han ignored three summons notices from the special counsel before appearing voluntarily the previous day. She is reported to have denied most of the allegations.
After the questioning ended, when reporters asked, "Why did you deliver 100 million won to lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong?" President Han said, "Why would I need to do that?" When asked, "Did you directly order or approve the solicitation?" she said, "No." When asked, "Have you ever delivered a necklace and a bag to first lady Kim Keon-hee as well?" she said, "Why would I do that?"