Police Summon Hak Ja Han’s Closest Aide and Chun Jae-soo in ‘Unification Church Scandal’... Full-Scale Investigation to Continue Next Week

[Financial News] Police are accelerating their investigation into the so-called ‘Unification Church Scandal’ by summoning Hak Ja Han’s closest aide and key political figures for questioning. As investigations into these central figures proceed, and with additional interviews of Hak Ja Han anticipated, observers expect the police to launch a comprehensive investigation next week, which could be a turning point in the case.
According to the police on the 19th, the special investigation team of the National Office of Investigation summoned Chun Jae-soo, former Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, for questioning as a suspect on charges of bribery and violation of the Political Funds Act. Chun is the first politician implicated in the alleged illegal lobbying by the Unification Church to be summoned as a suspect. Upon arriving at police headquarters, Chun firmly denied the allegations, stating, “I categorically assert that I have never received any illegal money or valuables from the Unification Church.”
Chun is under investigation for allegedly receiving 20 million won in cash and an expensive watch from the Unification Church around 2018, along with requests related to the Korea-Japan undersea tunnel project. On the 15th, police conducted search and seizure operations at Chun’s home and his National Assembly office, securing his mobile phone and materials related to Unification Church events. Investigators are focusing on whether money was actually delivered and the circumstances of Chun’s contact with the Unification Church.
The police are also examining the overall connections between Chun and the Unification Church, including his attendance at church events and the purchase of books at publication ceremonies. Yoon Young-ho, former head of the Unification Church World Headquarters, previously testified to a special prosecutor that he delivered cash and a watch to Chun as part of lobbying efforts related to the undersea tunnel project.
The day before, police summoned Jung Won-joo, former chief secretary to Hak Ja Han, as a witness and questioned him intensively for about 13 hours. Jung, known as Hak Ja Han’s closest aide, is considered a key figure who has overseen church funds and external lobbying channels.
Earlier, on the 17th, police visited Hak Ja Han, who is currently detained at Seoul Detention Center, to conduct an interview. Investigators reportedly questioned her about the overall allegations of providing money to politicians and whether she issued or received related instructions or reports. On the same day, police also questioned a secretary responsible for managing approximately 28 billion won, believed to be Hak Ja Han’s personal safe, as a witness.
Currently, Hak Ja Han, Chun Jae-soo, Lim Jong Seong (former Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker), and Kyuhwan Kim (former United Future Party lawmaker), all politicians implicated in the bribery allegations, deny any wrongdoing. During her initial interview, Hak Ja Han stated she had “no knowledge whatsoever” of providing money to politicians. Kyuhwan Kim also declared, “I have never had a single phone call or conversation with Yoon Young-ho.”
Police are reportedly coordinating schedules with Hak Ja Han’s legal team for additional interviews next week. Investigators plan to continue questioning key witnesses and suspects, using accounting documents and financial records obtained through search and seizure operations. With the first suspect questioning of a major political figure now complete, police intend to summon other politicians for questioning next week as well.
yesji@fnnews.com Kim Ye-ji Reporter