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Han Hak-ja, leader of the controversial Unification Church, has categorically denied claims that her organization gave high-end gifts to South Korea's former first lady in exchange for business favors.

When confronted by reporters following nine hours of questioning at the prosecutor's office, she dismissed the claims, stating, "Absolutely not... Why would I do that?"

Former presidential spouse Kim Keon Hee, wife of ousted Leader Yoon Suk Yeol, is alleged to have accepting two designer handbags and a diamond necklace worth £42,500.

Kim was formally charged last month on multiple charges, such as bribery and stock manipulation, claims she she denies.

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

Yoon was taken into custody in January to stand trial over a failed emergency rule bid last year that plunged the country into turmoil.

On Wednesday, Han pinned the blame on a former church official, stating that the individual operated on his own when providing gifts to Kim. That individual has now been taken into custody.

Her appearance followed refusing multiple requests from the investigative body. She stated, "I had been in pain after cardiac surgery."

Medical support was put on standby throughout her questioning, as reported by sources.

Separately, officials arrested politician Kweon Seong-dong, who is alleged to have receiving 100 million won in bribes from the group. Kweon, previously regarded as a close confidante of Yoon, rejected the allegation.

The religious organization, also called The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, was founded in South Korea in the mid-twentieth century by Moon Sun-myung, who declared himself the savior.

The church is best known for organizing mass weddings with thousands of couples, many of which would have only recently been paired by the institution.

Critics have labeled the organization as "sect-like". Legal representatives have accused it of coercing devotees, referred to as "members" after its leader, to contribute significant amounts of money.

The Unification Church received significant attention in Japan following the killing of ex-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The alleged assassin held responsible the organization for financially ruining his household and expressed resentment against Abe for reportedly promoting it.

The group is prohibited in multiple nations, such as Singapore and the island nation.