The conservative, right-wing People Power Party (PP) in Seoul has been staging large-scale demonstrations for several days, beating drums and gongs wherever they pass, attracting the attention of tourists. Supporters, waving English-language banners and chanting "Yoon Again" and "Only Yoon," are rallying in support of ousted former Prime Minister Yoon Suk-yeol. Although Yoon has since stepped down and is being detained and investigated by South Korean authorities for treason, his wife, former First Lady Kim Gun-hee, is suspected of accepting bribes from Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja. Following the recent court appearance of Han Hak-ja, the case has again garnered widespread attention from both the authorities and the public. Protesters supporting Yoon have taken to the streets, even waving both American and South Korean flags. While both Yoon and Kim Gun-hee are in custody and under investigation, their conservative supporters remain steadfast in their leader's faith. It seems the left-right conflict isn't confined to the United States and Europe; it's also a source of conflict and strife in Asia.
Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja's trial begins on allegations of bribery of former first lady
According to Reuters in Seoul , the current leader of the Unification Church, Han Hak-ja, was questioned by prosecutors on Wednesday on charges of bribing Kim Kun-hee, the wife of former South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol. The court hearing was part of a criminal investigation into the former first lady's alleged bribery.
After more than nine hours of interrogation, Han Hak-ja left the prosecutor's office in a wheelchair, weaving through a throng of media. She denied all charges and, when asked if she had instructed others to pay bribes, replied firmly, "No!" When asked why she had refused the previous summons and then opted to submit to questioning, she cited feeling unwell. Han, known as "True Mother" by followers, is the widow of Moon Sun-myung, the founder of the Unification Church. Moon died in 2012, and Han Hak-ja succeeded him as leader.
Former first lady indicted for bribery and other charges
South Korea's special prosecutors are expanding their investigation into former first lady Kim Gun-hee, alleging bribery and other crimes. The investigation targets various misconduct before and during Yoon Seok-yeol's presidency. Kim Gun-hee has been detained for investigation. Han Hak-ja is accused of bribing former first lady and Yoon Seok-yeol's close friend, senior lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong. Prosecutor General Kim Hyong-kun said Kweon Seong-dong, a lawmaker from the conservative People Power Party, denied that he accepted bribes from the church. The prosecutor told reporters that Kweon Seong-dong answered questions about allegations of violating political donations and anti-corruption laws. Prosecutors said that because he has been questioned, they are not considering issuing an arrest warrant at this time. Yoon Seok-yeol remains in detention and is under investigation for rebellion charges brought against him by another special prosecutor, which are related to his declaration of martial law.
Kim Gun-hee is suspected of accepting Chanel bags and diamond necklaces
Kim Gun-hee is accused of accepting bribes worth 80 million won (US$57,958) from a Unification Church official, including two Chanel bags and a diamond necklace, in exchange for using her influence to advance the church's business interests. The church official has been arrested and indicted on charges including violating anti-corruption laws. Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja has called the allegations against her "false information," while Kim's lawyers deny the allegations, including the gift-taking.
The Unification Church (full name: Family Alliance for World Peace and Unification) expressed deep regret for failing to prevent the misconduct of a former senior official, but denied any involvement in the case. Founded in South Korea in the 1950s by the self-proclaimed messiah Moon Jae-in, the group is known for its mass weddings, sparking controversy due to its large donations and the leader's practice of "arranging marriages between strangers." The most recent controversy stemmed from the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Japanese police investigated and found that the suspect claimed he was motivated by his mother's unification church beliefs and her dissatisfaction with the former prime minister.
The article " Left and right are arguing all over the world! Marches break out in Seoul, South Korea to support former Prime Minister Yoon Seok-yeol" originally appeared on ABMedia ABMedia .
