In the ongoing Unification Church politician bribery investigation, police questioned former chief of staff Jeong Won-ju as a witness on December 18, following leader Han Hak-ja's interrogation the previous day. The probe centers on cash and luxury watches allegedly given to former Oceans Minister Chun Jae-soo and other politicians.
Following raids on December 15 at the church's headquarters, Han's residence, and sites linked to suspects, police intensified the Unification Church bribery probe. On December 17, jailed leader Han Hak-ja was questioned at Seoul Detention Center over tens of millions of won in cash and luxury gifts allegedly provided to former Oceans Minister Chun Jae-soo, Democratic Party lawmaker Lim Jong-seong, and former United Future Party lawmaker Kim Gyu-hwan between 2018 and 2020. Han remains in custody since September on related charges including bribery and illegal donations.
The investigation, sparked by testimony from ex-church official Yun Young-ho, also involves a church foundation's purchase of 500 copies of Chun's book for 10 million won in 2019. A prior special counsel raid found 28 billion won in cash in Han's safe; police are still seeking a Bulgari watch allegedly given to Chun.
On December 18, Jeong Won-ju—Han's former chief of staff and the church's second-highest official—appeared at the Korean National Police Agency for questioning on bribe deliveries and Han's instructions. Chun Jae-soo, who resigned as minister last week, denies receiving 20 million won and the watch in exchange for church project support, such as a Korea-Japan undersea tunnel. He is scheduled for questioning on December 19 at Seodaemun Ward police station. Search warrants for Chun, Lim, and Kim expire January 14.
