In a follow-up to earlier questioning, police on December 28 interrogated Jeong Won-ju—former chief secretary to Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja—for a second time over alleged bribes to politicians across parties. Now booked as a suspect, Jeong's probe ties into the church's widening corruption scandal linked to former President Yoon Suk Yeol's wife, Kim Keon Hee.
Jeong Won-ju, previously questioned as a witness on December 18 and Han's former No. 2 overseeing church finances, faced renewed interrogation at Seoul's National Police Agency headquarters on December 28. Authorities suspect her role in illicit payments to politicians from 2018-2020, including ex-Oceans Minister Chun Jae-soo—who resigned earlier this month—and others across party lines.
Building on prior probes—including Han's December 17 questioning and raids uncovering cash hoards—the investigation now scrutinizes the church's push for political favors, such as support for a proposed South Korea-Japan underwater tunnel. Explicit links have emerged to luxury gift exchanges involving Kim Keon Hee.
This development underscores ongoing concerns about religious groups' influence in politics. More summons are expected as the case expands.
