Seoul: Police have summoned former Oceans Minister Chun Jae-soo to appear for questioning over allegations he took bribes from the Unification Church, sources said Thursday. Chun has been instructed to present himself at Seoul's Seodaemun Ward police station at 10 a.m. Friday in connection with claims he received 20 million won (US$13,560) in cash and a Bulgari watch valued at 10 million won from the church in 2018.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the accusations were initially brought forward by former church official Yun Young-ho, who alleged that the money and gift were provided in exchange for Chun's assistance with church projects. These projects included plans to construct an undersea tunnel connecting South Korea and Japan. At the time of the alleged transactions, Chun was a lawmaker with the ruling Democratic Party and continues to hold a legislative position, although he resigned as oceans minister last week following the emergence of these allegations. Chun has denied the accusations, labeling them as false.

The summons for questioning follows a police raid conducted on Monday at four locations connected to Chun. These included his residence in Busan, his former office as oceans minister in Sejong, and his office at the National Assembly. On the same day, police also raided the residence of Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja in Gapyeong, east of Seoul, to gather material for their investigation.

Beyond the alleged bribe-taking, police are also investigating claims that a church-affiliated organization purchased 500 copies of Chun's book in 2019 for a sum of 10 million won. On Thursday, investigators initiated a second raid on Han's residence, known as Cheonjeonggung, as part of their ongoing probe.