Special Message Delivered During Worship
"Spreading False Information"
Han Hakja, President of the Unification Church, has stated her position regarding the so-called "Kwon Seongdong solicitation allegations," which are currently under investigation by Special Prosecutor Min Jungki's team looking into suspicions surrounding First Lady Kim Keonhee. Han asserted, "I have never instructed any illegal political solicitations or monetary transactions." This is the first time President Han has publicly addressed the solicitation allegations since they surfaced.
On the morning of August 31, in a statement titled "Special Message from the True Mother" delivered to Unification Church leaders and followers worldwide during a worship service, Han said, "False information is being spread that our church provided illegal political funds under my instructions," and reiterated her position.
President Han stated, "I want to make this absolutely clear here," firmly denying the allegations. She went on to express her gratitude to church members, saying, "I am deeply thankful for your participation, dedication, prayers, and devotion," and urged them to "live lives of gratitude, fulfilling the mission as the chosen people and protagonists of world peace."
The special message was delivered on this day by a PeaceTV announcer, with President Han present, after she greeted and made opening remarks herself, due to health issues.
Previously, President Han became a subject of the special prosecutor's investigation following testimony by Yoon, the former head of the Unification Church's global headquarters, who was indicted and detained. Yoon reportedly told investigators that in January 2022, he requested support for a Unification Church event and was involved in providing 100 million won in illegal political funds to Kwon Seongdong, a lawmaker from the People Power Party.
The investigation also covers allegations that in February and March 2022, Kwon visited President Han, performed a deep bow, and received a shopping bag filled with cash. Additionally, there are suspicions that information about an overseas gambling investigation involving President Han was leaked to the Unification Church to help them prepare for the probe. There are also allegations that from April to July 2022, through Jeon Seongbae, known as Geonjin Bopsa, luxury items such as a diamond necklace and a Chanel bag were delivered to First Lady Kim Keonhee in connection with requests regarding church affairs.
As a result, there is speculation that the special prosecutor's team will soon summon President Han as a suspect to clarify the facts.
On August 28, the special prosecutor's team requested an arrest warrant for Kwon on charges of violating the Political Funds Act. The National Assembly is currently processing the motion to consent to Kwon's arrest.
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