'Unification Church Bribery Allegations' Chun Jae-soo Summoned by Police Today

[Financial News] Police investigating bribery allegations involving the Unification Church in political circles have notified Chun Jae-soo, former Minister of Oceans and Fisheries (pictured), to appear at the police station for questioning. This comes eight days after the case was handed over. Police have also been expanding their investigation by summoning close associates of Hak Ja Han, the leader of the Unification Church.
According to police and other sources on the 19th, the Special Investigation Task Force of the National Office of Investigation, Korean National Police Agency, requested that former Minister Chun appear at 10 a.m. that day as a suspect on charges of bribery and violations of the Political Funds Act.
Former Minister Chun is suspected of receiving 20 million won in cash and a luxury watch worth about 10 million won from former Director Yoon, along with requests related to the Japan–Korea Undersea Tunnel, a key issue for the church. However, it remains uncertain whether Chun will comply with the investigation immediately. Chun's attorney is reportedly coordinating the timing of the police summons.
On the 15th, police searched four locations: Chun's residence in Busan, the MOF office in Sejong Special Self-Governing City, Chun's parliamentary office, and his constituency office in Busan.
If Chun appears, police are expected to question him based on the analysis of mobile phones, PC files, and congratulatory messages related to Unification Church events seized during the search, to determine whether any money or valuables were actually delivered.
In addition to the bribery allegations, police may also question Chun about suspicions that a foundation under the Unification Church purchased 500 copies of his book for 20,000 won each—totaling 10 million won—shortly after his publication event in 2019.
With this, the police investigation is expanding from those who allegedly provided money to the political figures suspected of receiving it. Chun is the first among the three politicians under suspicion to be summoned by police. However, Chun and others continue to deny all allegations of bribery.


yesji@fnnews.com Kim Ye-ji Reporter