Seoul: A court began the first hearing of a trial of Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja on Monday over allegations that she bribed former first lady Kim Keon Hee and Rep. Kweon Seong-dong of the People Power Party in exchange for favors.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Han is currently standing trial on charges of violating the Political Funds Act and the anti-graft law for her alleged involvement in gifting a luxury necklace and Chanel bags to Kim, the wife of jailed former President Yoon Suk Yeol. She is also accused of colluding with a former church official surnamed Yun to hand 100 million won (US$68,000) to Kweon in 2022 in exchange for gaining favors for the church.

During the hearing at the Seoul Central District Court, Han's legal team rejected the allegations made by special counsel Min Joong-ki, arguing they simply relied on testimonies given by the former church official Yun. "The prosecution has rashly framed Han as an accomplice to Yun's actions, which were based on his political ambitions," her lawyers said. They argued the luxury gifts given to Kim were prepared by Yun, claiming that Han did not make any instructions and was not briefed about them.

Meanwhile, the special counsel team stressed the gravity of the alleged acts, noting the church illegally used donations made by followers. Han was temporarily released from detention last month to undergo eye surgery, but returned to custody three days later after a court rejected an extension of her release. A court hearing on Han's bail request was set to take place in the afternoon.