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The head, figurehead of the controversial religious movement, has firmly rejected accusations that her church gave high-end presents to South Korea's former president's wife to secure political privileges.

Facing journalists following an extended session of interrogation at the investigative agency, she flatly rejected the claims, stating, "No... Why would I engage in such acts?"

Ex- presidential spouse Kim Keon Hee, spouse of former Leader Yoon Suk Yeol, is alleged to have receiving a pair of designer handbags and a diamond necklace valued at $57,900.

Kim was indicted recently on several counts, including graft and stock manipulation, all of which she denies.

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

Yoon was taken into custody in early this year to stand trial over a unsuccessful emergency rule attempt previously that threw the country into chaos.

During questioning, Han attributed the incident to a former member, claiming that the individual operated independently when providing items to Kim. That individual has now been arrested.

She appeared came after refusing multiple summons from the special prosecutor. She stated, "I was in discomfort following heart operation."

An ambulance was put on standby throughout her interrogation, according to reports.

Separately, officials arrested politician Kweon Seong-dong, who is alleged to have accepting a substantial sum in bribes from the church. Kweon, once seen as a trusted ally of Yoon, denied the allegation.

The religious organization, also called 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 savior.

It is best known for holding large-scale marriage ceremonies with thousands of couples, many of which would have only just been paired by the institution.

Detractors have described the organization as "cult-like". Legal representatives have accused it of coercing devotees, known as "Moonies" after its leader, to contribute significant amounts of funds.

The group received significant scrutiny in the country following the assassination of ex-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The alleged assassin held responsible the organization for bankrupting his household and held a grievance toward Abe for allegedly promoting it.

The group is prohibited in several countries, including Singapore and Japan.