Seoul: A Seoul court held hearings Wednesday to review the legality of the arrests of Rep. Kweon Seong-dong and Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja, who are accused of exchanging illegal political funds for favors. The hearing for the lawmaker of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) was held first at the Seoul Central District Court and followed by the hearing for Han to determine whether their arrests last month were legal and should remain in place.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kweon, once seen as a close confidant of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, is accused of receiving 100 million won (US$71,100) in illegal political funds from a former Unification Church official in January 2022. In return, Kweon was allegedly asked to help gain favors for the church in the event of Yoon’s presidential election. Yoon went on to win the presidency in March that year.

Kweon’s lawyers disputed the allegations brought by special counsel Min Joong-ki, arguing they simply rely on testimonies made by some individuals. Min’s team, however, argued that Kweon’s arrest should remain in place, citing risks he will destroy evidence.

Lawyers for Han, who is accused of working with the former church official to hand Kweon 100 million won, also argued the testimony against her contains many errors while her poor health makes her continued detention difficult.

The court is required to decide on the legality of the arrests within 24 hours after the hearings. Both Kweon and Han requested the reviews, and in the event the court decides in their favor, they will be released from custody at the Seoul Detention Center just south of the capital.

The church leader additionally faces charges of gifting former first lady Kim Keon Hee, Yoon’s wife, a luxury necklace and Chanel handbags through a shaman between April and July 2022, among other alleged offenses.