Seoul: A South Korean court has returned Han Hak-ja, the leader of the country's Unification Church, to detention as she awaits trial on bribery charges connected to former first lady Kim Keon Hee. The court rejected a request to extend her temporary release on health grounds, according to local media reports on Sunday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Seoul Central District Court denied Han's request to prolong her suspension from detention, resulting in her being placed back behind bars the following day. Han's detention was initially suspended on February 11, allowing her to remain free until Saturday due to health concerns. During her release, she reportedly received medical treatment following a recent fall.

This marks Han's second temporary release from detention since her arrest in September. In November, she underwent eye surgery as per a court order. Han was indicted by a special counsel team in October on charges of violating the political fund law, among other offenses. She is also suspected of involvement in gifting luxury items, including a necklace and a Chanel bag, to the former first lady.