3rd Extension of Mother Han’s Medical Release

Mother Han wins 3rd extension of temporary release allowing her to remain hospitalized as tiny detention cell is regarded as veritable health risk

In an article published by the South Korean news agency News1 on 29^th June 2026, reporters Choi Dong-hyun (최동현) and Han Soo-hyun (한수현) write that a Seoul court has once again extended the temporary release of Hak Ja Han (한학자), the leader of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification – commonly known in Korea as Unificationism (통일교). This allows her to remain out of detention for another month while standing trial on a series of charges. The decision, handed down by the Seoul Central District Court on 29^th June, marks the third consecutive extension of the suspension of her detention, underscoring the court’s determination that her medical condition continues to justify her release under South Korean law.

See also Mother Han: Prosecutors Seek 13-Year Sentence

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The News1 report explains that Hak Ja Han – also called Mother Han – who was originally detained several weeks before her indictment on 10^th October 2025, has argued through her legal representatives that her health has significantly deteriorated during her time in custody.

According to her defense, she recently suffered a fractured shoulder requiring surgery and is also experiencing serious vision problems that turn continued detention in a correctional facility into a veritable health hazard. After reviewing the latest medical submissions, the court accepted the request to prolong the suspension of detention until 2:00 p.m. on 31^st July.

The ruling does not alter the court proceedings themselves. Mother Han remains a defendant in a high-profile case involving allegations of unlawful political financing, illicit donations to politicians, bribery involving expensive luxury gifts, and the alleged embezzlement of religious funds. According to News1, while temporarily released, she must continue to comply with strict judicial conditions, including remaining at the hospital where she is receiving treatment and refraining from any direct or indirect contact with witnesses or other individuals connected to the case.

Under South Korean legal procedure, a suspension of detention is an exceptional measure intended for defendants facing urgent personal circumstances such as serious illness, childbirth, or family bereavement. Although the order allows a defendant to leave custody temporarily, it does not affect the underlying indictment or the continuation of the trial.

The charges against Mother Han stem from alleged activities in 2022. Special prosecutors appointed by the left-leaning current Lee Jae-myung (이재명) administration contend that she conspired with former senior officials Yoon Yeong-ho (윤영호) and Jeong Won-ju (정원주) of the Family Federation to deliver 100 million won (approximately US$73,000 at current exchange rates) in cash as an unlawful political contribution to People Power Party lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong (권성동), allegedly violating the Political Funds Act.

They also accuse her of directing the distribution of approximately 144 million won in Unificationism funds through so-called “split donations” to multiple ruling party legislators. In addition, prosecutors allege that Mother Han and former Federation executive Yoon Yeong-ho (윤영호) arranged for luxury gifts – including a Graff diamond necklace valued together at around 80 million won – to be presented to then-First Lady Kim Keon Hee (김건희). The indictment further alleges that Unificationism funds were embezzled to finance both the political donations and the luxury gifts.

According to News1, citing South Korean legal sources, the Seoul Central District Court approved Mother Han‘s latest application for suspension of detention on 29^th June. The decision follows earlier extensions granted on the same grounds after the court accepted that her medical condition warranted continued temporary release. Mother Han had been scheduled to return to custody on 30^th June, but the new ruling postpones that deadline until 31^st July while her trial continues.

As reported by News1, South Korean law requires defendants granted a suspension of detention to comply with conditions imposed by the court. In Mother Han‘s case, those restrictions confine her to the medical facility where she is undergoing treatment and prohibit her from contacting witnesses or anyone else involved in the proceedings. The suspension takes legal effect immediately upon the court’s decision and represents a procedural accommodation for health-related concerns rather than a judgment on the merits of the prosecution’s allegations. The criminal case itself remains ongoing, with Mother Han continuing to face trial on all charges.

See also Mother Han: Prosecutors Seek 13-Year Sentence

See also South Korea’s Slide Toward Authoritarianism

See also Shocking Pretrial Detention of Faith Leader (95)

See also Should Democracies Have “Recognized Religions”?

See also 2027 Verdict in 2nd Trial Involving Mother Han

See also Hunting “Heretics”: Justice Minister Quoting Bible

See also Statement Ahead of Final Hearing for Mother Han

Text. Knut Holdhus, editor

Featured image above: Hak Ja Han, aka. Mother Han, here speaking in Seoul on 3^rd May 2023. Photo: Screenshot from PeaceTV, improved resolution by Grok xAI, 29^th June 2026.

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