SEOUL, Aug. 7 (UPI) -- The Unification Church is facing the gravest institutional crisis in its history as South Korea's special prosecutor widens an investigation into alleged political bribery, illicit lobbying and financial misconduct at the highest levels of the organization.
At the center of the probe are Yoon Young-ho, the former executive director of the church's Seoul headquarters, and Hak Ja Han, the widow of church founder Rev. Sun Myung Moon and current spiritual leader of the movement.
On July 23, news outlets including Dong-A Ilbo and SBS reported that Yoon delivered a necklace and a luxury handbag to former First Lady Kim Keon-hee, allegedly at the presidential residence. The delivery may constitute a violation of the Kim Young-ran Act, which prohibits public officials and their families from receiving high-value gifts.
More serious allegations followed. According to reports by MBC and Hankyoreh, Yoon later transferred ₩100 million (approximately $75,000) in cash to Rep. Kweon Seong-dong of the People Power Party while the investigation was ongoing. Prosecutors are reviewing whether the transfer amounted to attempted bribery or obstruction of justice.
Related
