Hak Ja Han, First Statement in Special Prosecutor's Investigation… "Did Not Instruct Political Favors or Financial Transactions"

'Kwon Seong-dong Favors Allegation' Related: Special Message to Followers… "Spreading False Information"

Hak Ja Han, President of the Unification Church. [Provided by the Unification Church. Reproduction and database prohibited]

Hak Ja Han, President of the Unification Church, has stated her position regarding the so-called 'Kwon Seong-dong favors allegation,' which is currently under investigation by the special prosecutor's team investigating allegations concerning First Lady Kim Keon-hee, saying, "I have never instructed any illegal political favors or financial transactions."

In a statement titled 'Special Message from True Mother' addressed to Unification Church leaders and members worldwide during the morning service on the 31st, President Han claimed, "False information is being spread that our church provided illegal political funds at my instruction."

This marks the first time President Han has publicly stated her position since the allegations surfaced.

President Han stated, "I want to make this clear by taking this opportunity," denying the allegations.

She also conveyed her gratitude to the members, saying, "I am deeply grateful for your participation, dedication, prayers, and sincerity," and expressed her hope that they would "live lives of gratitude, fulfilling the mission of being God's chosen people and central figures for world peace."

The message was delivered in a format where President Han directly gave opening remarks, and an announcer from the Unification Church's internal broadcast read the message aloud.

Previously, President Han became a subject of the special prosecutor's investigation based on the testimony of Mr. Yoon, the head of the Unification Church's World Headquarters (currently indicted and detained).

This relates to allegations that Mr. Yoon was involved in providing 100 million won in illegal political funds to Member of Parliament Kwon Seong-dong in January 2022, requesting support for Unification Church events.

Allegations that Rep. Kwon visited President Han in February-March 2022, bowed deeply, and received a shopping bag containing cash, as well as allegations that information regarding President Han's overseas gambling investigation was leaked to the Unification Church to prepare for the investigation, are also under scrutiny.

In addition, there are allegations that President Han was involved in seeking favors regarding church matters by conveying a high-end diamond necklace and a Chanel bag to First Lady Kim Keon-hee through Mr. Jeon Seong-bae, known as Gun-jin Beopsa, between April and July 2022.

It is anticipated that the special prosecutor's team will soon summon President Han for questioning as a suspect to confirm the facts.

On the 28th, the special prosecutor's team requested an arrest warrant for Rep. Kwon on charges of violating the Political Funds Act. The National Assembly's motion to approve his detention is currently underway.