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The head, figurehead of the much-debated religious movement, has strongly refuted accusations that her church gave luxury gifts to South Korea's ex- first lady to secure political favors.

Facing journalists after nine hours of interrogation at the investigative agency, she dismissed the claims, remarking, "No... Why should I engage in such acts?"

Former first lady Kim Keon Hee, spouse of former Leader Yoon Suk Yeol, is accused of receiving two designer handbags and a diamond necklace valued at £42,500.

Kim was formally charged recently on multiple counts, such as bribery and securities fraud, claims she she denies.

Her arrest marked the initial instance in the country that both a ex-leader and ex-first spouse have been detained.

Yoon was taken into custody in January to stand trial over a failed martial law bid previously that threw the nation into chaos.

On Wednesday, Han pinned the blame on a ex- church official, stating that the individual acted independently when providing gifts to Kim. That individual has now been taken into custody.

She appeared came after refusing multiple requests from the investigative body. She explained, "I had been in pain following heart surgery."

Medical support was put on standby throughout her interrogation, as reported by reports.

Separately, authorities arrested politician Kweon Seong-dong, who is alleged to have accepting 100 million won in bribes from the group. Kweon, once regarded as a trusted ally of Yoon, denied the claim.

The Unification Church, 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 declared himself the messiah.

The church is best known for holding large-scale marriage ceremonies involving numerous of couples, many of which would have only just been matched by the institution.

Critics have described the group as "sect-like". Legal representatives have alleged it of coercing devotees, known as "members" in reference to its founder, to donate large sums of money.

The group received widespread attention in Japan following the killing of former leader Shinzo Abe. The alleged assassin held responsible the organization for bankrupting his family and expressed resentment toward Abe for allegedly promoting it.

The group is banned in multiple countries, including the city-state and Japan.