Law as Weapon: Old Age and Frail Health Ignored

Justice or persecution? The rigid application of law in the case of frail 82-year-old Hak Ja Han

See also Arbitrary Detention of Mother Han, Pastor Son

See also Worrying Health Update for Detained Mother Han

See also Mother Han’s Arrest and Purge of Faith in SKorea

See also Co-Founder, 82, Questioned 9 Hours by Prosecutors

See also Denying Allegations: Hak Ja Han (82) in Inquiry

See also Ugly: Arrest Warrant Sought for Hak Ja Han (82)

See also Critics Warn of “Authoritarian Drift” in SKorea

See also 70 Years On: Detention History Repeats Itself

See also Court Decision to Prolong Detention Condemned

The South Korean daily Segye Ilbo published on 24^th September a column which in English would carry the headline “The ‘Mother of Peace’ Standing in the Shadow of the Law”. The opinion piece by Religious Affairs Correspondent Jeong Seong-su (정성수), reflects both the shock and sorrow felt by countless individuals around the world at the news of Dr. Hak Ja Han’s arrest.

As co-founder of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification and lifelong partner of the late Rev. Sun Myung Moon, Dr. Han has stood for over half a century as one of the most visible women leaders in international faith and peace movements. To many, she is not only a religious figure but also a moral voice who has consistently dedicated her life to advancing reconciliation, education, cultural exchange, and the vision of “One Family Under God.” Against this backdrop, her detention raises pressing questions not merely about the application of law, but about the balance between legal procedure, human dignity, and the broader pursuit of peace.

The article highlights four charges brought against Dr. Han, including alleged violations of political funding and anti-graft laws. Yet, the piece quickly underscores that to many observers, the legal scrutiny appears excessive, especially in light of her age, frail health, and unimpeachable record of service to humanity. The writer questions whether it was justifiable to request and grant an arrest warrant under such circumstances, noting that Dr. Han herself has steadfastly declared her innocence.

Far from retreating into self-defense, she is portrayed as continuing her mission of prayer and intercession for the nation and the world, even in the midst of personal trial. This imagery not only reinforces her moral stature but also frames her ordeal in continuity with the historical suffering of religious leaders who endured misunderstanding, betrayal, and persecution in the pursuit of truth.

The column places Dr. Han’s life and work into a broader historical and spiritual context. It recalls her unique role as “Mother of Peace” – a title earned through her tireless leadership of global initiatives, including international marriage blessing ceremonies and peace summits spanning over 190 nations. The article reminds readers that she has consistently advanced a universal vision: that humanity, regardless of culture or creed, is one family under God.

Far from being symbolic alone, her efforts have included the establishment of the Sunhak Peace Prize, which has awarded leaders in fields ranging from refugee relief to environmental restoration.

Likewise, through projects such as dispatching the Little Angels cultural troupe to thank the nations that made up the UN forces that rescued South Korea during the Korean War (1950-1953), she has expressed gratitude and advanced reconciliation on the world stage.

The article does not shy away from acknowledging the immense challenges Dr. Han has faced. Following Rev. Moon’s passing in 2012, many doubted that she could continue to lead such a vast and complex global movement. Yet, for 13 years she has not only held the Family Federation together but has extended its reach.

The writer interprets her present difficulties through the lens of religious history: as Jesus himself was betrayed by Judas and denied by Peter, so too do great spiritual leaders often suffer through the disloyalty or folly of their followers. Rather than interpreting these struggles as failures, the article views them as evidence of the steep price of walking a righteous path.

Crucially, the article in the Segye Ilbo calls for balance and discernment in the application of law. While affirming that the principle of equality before the law is indispensable, it warns against blind or overly rigid applications that fail to account for historical and social contexts. In an era where media sensationalism and political bias can distort truth, the prosecution of a religious leader can easily become weaponized, threatening both freedom of faith and the stability of democratic society. The writer insists that justice must serve not only legality but also higher principles of fairness, dignity, and peace.

In closing, the opinion piece appeals directly to the conscience of government and judicial authorities: do not allow this case to derail or diminish the peace activities of Dr. Han’s global movement. Millions of followers and countless supporters see in her a spiritual mother and guiding light. The responsibility now lies with institutions of power to ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done in a way that upholds peace rather than undermines it.

Thus, the column serves not only as a defense of Dr. Han but also as a reminder of the fragility of peace when weighed against political expediency and narrow interpretations of law. Its message is clear: the pursuit of world peace should not be overshadowed by the punitive application of legal codes, and the legacy of one of the world’s most prominent women leaders must be honored with fairness, compassion, and respect.

See also Democratic Party’s Assault on Family Federation

See also Mother Han (82) in Poor Health in Damp, Cold Cell

See also SKorea: Growing Concerns Over Religious Freedom

See also In Detention: Mother Han’s Condition and Words

See also Arbitrary Detention of Mother Han, Pastor Son

See also Firsthand Account of Ordeal of Mother Han (82)

See also Mother Han: “The Truth Will Surely Be Revealed”

See also Mother Han’s Arrest and Purge of Faith in SKorea

See also Co-Founder, 82, Questioned 9 Hours by Prosecutors

See also Denying Allegations: Hak Ja Han (82) in Inquiry

See also Ugly: Arrest Warrant Sought for Hak Ja Han (82)

See also Korean Crisis: “True Democracy Must Serve Heaven”

See also Critics Warn of “Authoritarian Drift” in SKorea

See also 70 Years On: Detention History Repeats Itself

See also Court Decision to Prolong Detention Condemned

See also Faith Leaders Protest State Assault on Religion

See also Detention: Harsh Cell Conditions Spark Outcry

Text: Knut Holdhus, editor, written based on the English translation of the Korean text

Featured image above: Dr. Hak Ja Han on the way into the pre-trial detention warrant hearings on 22nd September 2025 in Seoul. Illustration: ChatGPT 24th September 2025.

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