'Unification Church Bribery Allegations' Chun Jae-soo: "I Have Consistently Opposed the Japan–Korea Undersea Tunnel That Sells Out Busan’s Future"

[Financial News] Chun Jae-soo, former Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, who is under suspicion of receiving bribes from the Unification Church, appeared before the police as a suspect on the 19th and flatly denied the allegations.
Arriving at the KNPA in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul that morning, former Minister Chun stated, "The claim that I received 20 million won in cash and a watch in exchange for lobbying for the Japan–Korea Undersea Tunnel is clearly untrue."
Regarding the Japan–Korea Undersea Tunnel project, Chun emphasized, "It is structured so that Japan gains all the benefits. If Japan gains 100, Busan loses 100. Because this project sells out Busan’s future, I have consistently opposed it, and this is my political conviction."
He continued, "I lost three times in Busan, which is considered a political stronghold for the opposition, and was elected on my fourth attempt. Does it make sense that someone like me would trade years of perseverance for 20 million won and a single watch?"
He added, "If anything, it would be more plausible to say 20 billion won in cash and 100 watches."
Chun concluded, "The recent controversy over the Unification Church has caused public uproar, and I am deeply sorry to be at the center of it. I want to make it absolutely clear once again that I have never received any illegal funds or valuables from the Unification Church."
Chun is currently under investigation on charges of accepting 20 million won in cash and a luxury watch worth about 10 million won from the Unification Church around 2018, allegedly in connection with lobbying for the Japan–Korea Undersea Tunnel. The police are investigating the actual transfer of money and valuables, as well as the relationship between Chun and the Unification Church, focusing on his attendance at church events and the purchase of books at a publication event.
yesji@fnnews.com Kim Ye-ji Reporter