The prosecution is investigating allegations that Jeon Sung-bae, known as ‘Geonjin Beopsa’, received gifts intended for First Lady Kim Keon-hee from the Unification Church, including jewelry. The prosecutor’s office has imposed an exit ban on Hak Ja Han, the president of the Unification Church.
According to legal sources on the 22nd, the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors’ Office’s Virtual Asset Crime Investigation Unit recently imposed the travel ban. President Han attempted to leave the country through Incheon Airport on the 13th but had to return because of the ban. She is currently considered a witness, but it is reported that the prosecution is considering changing her status to a suspect, depending on the progress of the investigation.
The prosecution is investigating the circumstances under which the Unification Church’s former global director, identified as Mr. Yoon, provided Jeon with a diamond necklace and two Chanel bags worth approximately 60 million won in 2022, purportedly for First Lady Kim. They are examining whether these gifts were linked to lobbying related to the Unification Church’s business concerns, such as projects in Cambodia. The prosecution has found that Jeon and Yoon exchanged text messages in 2023, including requests to meet with the First Lady.
While investigating whether the Unification Church was involved behind Yoon’s requests, the prosecution suspects that President Han, the church’s actual highest authority, may have been involved. In response, the Unification Church recently issued a statement distancing themselves from Yoon’s alleged actions, labeling them as personal.
However, with the travel ban on President Han, there is speculation that the investigation is reaching into the upper echelons of the Unification Church. In a defamation trial held at the Seoul Western District Court last February, Yoon stated, “I played a role similar to a son to President Han.”
Additionally, the prosecution has reportedly discovered further evidence that Yoon attempted to use Jeon in July 2022 to lobby for the promotion of a “New Village Movement” in Africa, which they are currently investigating.