The head, leader of the controversial Unification Church, has strongly refuted accusations that her church provided luxury presents to South Korea's ex- president's wife in exchange for business privileges.
When confronted by journalists after an extended session of questioning at the prosecutor's office, she flatly rejected the allegations, remarking, "Absolutely not... Why would I engage in such acts?"
Former presidential spouse Kim Keon Hee, wife of ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol, is alleged to have accepting two designer handbags and a luxury jewelry item worth 80 million won.
Kim was indicted recently on multiple counts, such as graft and securities fraud, claims she she denies.
Her arrest marked the first time in South Korea that both a former president and ex-first spouse have been detained.
Yoon was detained in January to stand trial over a failed martial law attempt previously that threw the country into chaos.
During questioning, Han attributed the incident to a former member, stating that the person operated independently when providing items to Kim. The official has now been taken into custody.
She appeared came after declining three requests from the investigative body. She stated, "I had been in discomfort after cardiac operation."
Medical support was put on standby during her questioning, according to sources.
Also on Wednesday, authorities detained politician Kweon Seong-dong, who is alleged to have receiving 100 million won in bribes from the group. Kweon, once regarded as a trusted ally of Yoon, denied the claim.
The religious organization, formally known as The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, was founded in the country in the mid-twentieth century by Moon Sun-myung, who proclaimed himself the messiah.
The church is recognized for organizing large-scale marriage ceremonies with numerous of participants, some of whom would have only just been matched by the institution.
Critics have described the group as "sect-like". Lawyers have accused it of coercing devotees, referred to as "members" in reference to its founder, to contribute significant amounts of funds.
The group received significant scrutiny in the country after the assassination of ex-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The accused individual held responsible the organization for bankrupting his family and expressed resentment toward Abe for reportedly promoting it.
It is prohibited in multiple nations, including the city-state and the island nation.
