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Han Hak-ja, leader of the much-debated religious movement, has firmly rejected claims that her organization provided high-end presents to South Korea's former president's wife in exchange for political privileges.

When confronted by journalists following nine hours of questioning at the investigative agency, she dismissed the allegations, stating, "No... Why should I engage in such acts?"

Former presidential spouse Kim Keon Hee, spouse of ousted Leader Yoon Suk Yeol, is accused of accepting a pair of designer handbags and a luxury jewelry item valued at $57,900.

Kim was indicted recently on several counts, including graft and securities fraud, all of which she contests.

The detention represented the first time in the country that a ex-leader and former first lady have been jailed.

Yoon was taken into custody in January to face trial over a unsuccessful emergency rule attempt last year that threw the nation into turmoil.

During questioning, Han attributed the incident to a former church official, stating that the individual operated independently when providing items to Kim. The official has now been taken into custody.

She appeared followed declining multiple summons from the special prosecutor. She explained, "I had been in pain after heart operation."

An ambulance was made available throughout her interrogation, as reported by reports.

Also on Wednesday, authorities detained conservative lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong, who is alleged to have receiving a substantial sum in bribes from the church. Kweon, previously seen as a trusted ally of Yoon, denied the claim.

The Unification Church, formally known as The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, was established in the country in the mid-twentieth century by Moon Sun-myung, who declared himself the savior.

The church is best known for holding large-scale marriage ceremonies involving thousands of couples, some of whom may have only recently been matched by the church.

Detractors have described the organization as "sect-like". Lawyers have alleged it of coercing devotees, referred to as "members" in reference to its founder, to donate significant amounts of money.

The Unification Church gained widespread scrutiny in the country after the killing of ex-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The accused individual blamed the group for financially ruining his household and held a grievance toward Abe for allegedly supporting it.

It is prohibited in several nations, such as Singapore and the island nation.