Unification Church Matriarch Vehemently Denies Explosive Political Bribery Allegations

In a powerful statement that has sent ripples through South Korea's political and religious circles, Han Hak-ja, the revered matriarch of the Unification Church, has vehemently denied all allegations of political bribery. The leader, often referred to as 'Mother Moon' by her followers, has publicly rejected claims suggesting she offered illicit funds or favors to influence the nation's political landscape, specifically in connection to President Yoon Suk-yeol.

The controversy ignited following allegations made by a former senior elder of the church, identified only as Kim, who asserted that Han had engaged in systematic political lobbying through financial inducements.

These sensational claims, detailed in an interview with the online news outlet Newsverse, painted a picture of a church actively seeking political influence, purportedly even providing funds to then-prosecutor general Yoon Suk-yeol, ahead of his presidential run.

The Unification Church, officially known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, swiftly moved to dismiss Kim's assertions as entirely fabricated.

In an official press release, the church stated that Kim had been dismissed from his position in 2022 due to a string of misconducts and that his current allegations were nothing more than a desperate attempt at defamation, fueled by personal grievances and a desire for revenge. The church emphasized its commitment to transparency and ethical conduct, denying any involvement in unlawful political activities or financial transactions.

The specific allegation regarding a 200 million won (approximately US$147,000) payment to Yoon Suk-yeol in March 2021, supposedly through a close aide, has become a focal point of the burgeoning scandal.

The church has categorically denied this, stating there is no basis or evidence for such a claim. They contend that the timing and nature of the alleged transaction are inconsistent with their operational protocols and ethical stance.

President Yoon Suk-yeol's office has also addressed the accusations, firmly rejecting any suggestion of receiving illicit funds from the Unification Church.

A spokesperson for the presidential office stated that the claims were 'groundless' and entirely false, adding another layer of denials to the unfolding drama. This coordinated rejection from both the church and the presidential office aims to quell the growing public speculation and scrutiny.

The Unification Church has announced its intention to pursue legal action against Kim for defamation, asserting that his false accusations have caused significant damage to the church's reputation and its global mission.

This legal battle is expected to bring more details into the public domain, as both sides prepare to present their evidence. The outcome will undoubtedly have significant implications for both the church's standing and the political figures implicated in the allegations.

As the story continues to develop, observers are closely watching how these serious allegations will impact public perception of the Unification Church, which has a complex and often controversial history, and how they might affect President Yoon's administration.

The church's adamant denial underscores its determination to defend its integrity against what it perceives as baseless attacks aimed at undermining its influence and legacy.