ISTANBUL

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will accept Oceans and Fisheries Minister Chun Jae-soo’s resignation, the presidential office announced Thursday, following Chun's offer to step down amid claims that he received money from the Unification Church.

The presidential office said in a press release that Chun's resignation will be processed according to the appropriate procedures, according to Yonhap News Agency.

Chun submitted his resignation earlier in the day in response to accusations of taking bribes from the Unification Church, but he firmly rejected the allegations, calling them "completely groundless."

"It is a case based on falsehoods, but I believe it will be appropriate for me to step down from my post as oceans minister," he said. "It is an absurd but completely groundless controversy."

Chun has been identified by a former Unification Church official as one of several influential figures affiliated with the ruling Democratic Party (DP) who received money and other gifts from the church during the tenure of President Moon Jae-in.

The developments came after President Lee on Wednesday ordered an investigation into alleged connections between religious groups and political figures, local media reported.

On Tuesday, a special counsel referred a case to the police involving alleged ties between the Unification Church and lawmakers from the Democratic Party.

A former Unification Church official linked to a corruption scandal involving the previous administration of President Yoon Suk Yeol is expected to identify lawmakers who allegedly received funds from the church during his final trial hearing later Wednesday.

Yun Young-ho, the former head of the church’s global headquarters, is accused of giving luxury gifts to former first lady Kim Keon Hee in exchange for business favors in 2022.