Asia Today Editorial: “Avoid Detention of Clergy!”

Days before hearing on Mother Han’s request for bail, South Korean editorial urges caution in detaining religious leaders

On 28^th November, the mainstream South Korean daily newspaper Asia Today published an editorial headlined “In Trials of Religious Leaders, Non-Detention Is Preferable”.

See also Trial Day 1: Mother Han Denies All Allegations

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The piece emphasizes that the relationship between state power and religious authority has always been delicate, and in democratic societies it is especially important to prevent even the appearance of repression. When law-enforcement actions involve religious figures, the consequences often extend far beyond the individuals at the center of the investigation.

The article published in Asia Today highlights this tension, arguing that the Korean justice system must handle cases involving religious leaders with heightened caution. The core principle emphasized is that investigations and legal proceedings should, as far as possible, be conducted without pre-trial detention. Detaining a cleric – someone who symbolizes and represents a faith community – can easily be perceived as a broader attack on the religious group itself, regardless of the formal justification offered by prosecutors.

The editorial underscores how sensitive these issues are not only within Korea but also internationally. Foreign governments and religious freedom observers tend to monitor closely any actions that could be interpreted as limiting religious activity.

This point was illustrated earlier when U.S. President Donald Trump, ahead of his Korea-U.S. summit with President Lee Jae-myung (이재명), stated that he had heard about “vicious raids on churches” in South Korea.

Following his remarks, several American political figures echoed similar concerns, warning that religious liberty in Korea might be under threat. Because of the global attention that religious freedom issues attract, the article argues, Korean authorities must avoid actions that could spark unnecessary controversy or misinterpretation on the world stage.

Despite this, the article notes that real-life practice has sometimes failed to reflect this needed restraint. One example cited is the ongoing investigation into Pastor Son Hyun-bo (손현보) of the Busan Segyero mega-church, who has been accused of violating the Public Official Election Act. The Busan Metropolitan Police sought to detain him, claiming a risk of flight and possible destruction of evidence. Critics, however, reacted strongly, arguing that a pastor delivering sermons – which are already recorded – poses no realistic threat of disappearing or tampering with evidence. For them, detaining a clergy member under such circumstances constitutes disproportionate punishment and borders on religious oppression.

This broader debate forms the backdrop to an upcoming legal milestone involving another prominent religious figure. On 1^st December, the Seoul Central District Court is set to open the formal trial of Hak Ja Han (한학자), President of the Family Federation, also called Mother Han. A hearing on her request for bail will be held the same day. While acknowledging that the trial must proceed impartially and according to law, the Asia Today article stresses that the decision about whether she remains detained during proceedings is a separate question. Because she is the head of a major religious movement, detaining her could inflame public perceptions of religious discrimination or political targeting.

The humanitarian dimension is also highlighted. Mother Han is elderly and reportedly suffers from heart disease and other ailments. The editorial warns that if bail is denied and she is forced to endure prolonged detention, the government would assume full responsibility for any deterioration in her health or potential medical emergencies.

Finally, the article appeals directly to President Lee Jae-myung’s leadership and character. It notes that he has overcome many hardships throughout his life and therefore understands suffering on a personal level. Because of this, the article suggests, he is uniquely positioned to make a compassionate decision that promotes national harmony. Allowing Mother Han to await trial under bail rather than detention would help dispel concerns about religious persecution, reinforce South Korea’s commitment to civil liberty, and contribute meaningfully to social unity.

See also Trial Day 1: Mother Han Denies All Allegations

See also Bail Hearing with Mother Han’s Spiritual Message

See also Balcomb: “Prosecutors’ Case Is Politically Driven”

See also: Likely Long Legal Battle Ahead for Mother Han

See also Echoes of Communist Abuse in South Korea, 2025

See also President’s Own Party Drawn into Lobbying Claims

See also SKorea: Bribery Probe into Opposition Backfires

See also S. Korea: Federation Pledges Reform After Apology

Text: Knut Holdhus, editor 

Featured image above: Illustration to the Asia Today editorial 28th November 2025. Left photo credits: Bitter Winter. Right photo: FFWPU

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