Mother Han’s December Trial: Long Detention Ahead

Prolonged December trial could confine 82-year-old Mother Han until mid-2026 amid worsening health and tough detention conditions

According to the large South Korean news agency Yonhap on 27^th October, the Seoul Central District Court announced the same day that the formal trial of Family Federation leader Hak Ja Han (82), accused of bribery and other offenses connected to the administration of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, will start in December.

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Yonhap writes that the first hearing is scheduled for 1^st December, with the court planning to hold one or two sessions per week, according to statements made during a preparatory hearing. Before the trial begins, an additional preparatory hearing will take place on 18^th November.

Mother Han, indicted earlier this month by a special counsel team, faces charges that include violations of the Political Funds Act and the anti-graft law, among several other alleged offenses.

Preparatory hearings are designed to allow the prosecution and defense to present their views, address procedural matters, and organize the timetable for the upcoming trial. Attendance by the defendant is typically not mandatory, but Mother Han – who remains in detention pending trial – personally appeared for the session 27^th October despite her ongoing custody.

The case marks one of the most high-profile legal proceedings in recent months, drawing public attention for its potential implications in the broader investigation into political and financial misconduct.

The Korean headquarters of the Family Federation issued a statement soon after the session.

One thing seems certain: She is likely to be detained for a long time. No one knows exactly for how long, but a reasonable estimate appears to be that she remains in detention at least until mid-2026, unless extraordinary relief is granted.  The duration of detention pending trial depends on how quickly its phases proceed – e.g., indictment, preparatory hearings, trial, possible appeals, etc.

Once the trial begins, if hearings are held “one to two times a week” – as the Yonhap News Agency writes – the process may take many months depending on complexity (number of witnesses, documents, defence motions, appeals etc.). And after the district court’s decision, potential appeals to higher courts will extend the timeline further.

Can Mother Han then be released before the verdict?

Certain possibilities exist. The release may come early if a court finds the detention no longer necessary (e.g., risk of flight/evidence destruction gone, or health deterioration critical), the defense may apply for release (on bail or conditional release).

Given her advanced age (82) and reported health issues – her legal team has raised them – there may be arguments for humanitarian release or special decision, but such release is not guaranteed, especially when the court has cited strong risk factors (as here).

But given the alleged ambitious nature of the large team of special prosecutors behind the case, it won’t be easy to obtain an early release.

The Segye Ilbo wrote in an editorial on 22^nd October that the practice of coercive, separate, and highly publicized investigations has long served as a proving ground for ambitious prosecutors, who seek to demonstrate effectiveness through arrests and indictments rather than fair process or evidentiary soundness.

The Korea JoongAng Daily wrote on 23rd September that Mother Han’s advanced age (82) and reportedly poor health have been raised by her defence team.

According to the Chosun Ilbo on 2^nd October, in South Korean courts, age/health can be grounds for detention reconsideration (for example human rights/humanitarian relief), but they are not automatic guarantees of release.

If her health deteriorates significantly, her legal team may press for release on medical grounds; the court may consider a “hospital remand” or conditional release. But until such relief is granted, detention continues.

And there are also factors that may lengthen the detention. One such factor is the complexity of the case: large number of documents, witnesses, involvement of international aspects (e.g., overseas funds) could slow things.

Possible appeals are of course another factor, and yet another one would be if new charges are added, or if separate investigations linked to this case cause delay.

Text. Knut Holdhus, editor

Featured image above: Artistic impression of Mother Han in detention cell. Illustration: Grok xAI.

See also Health Concerns: 82-Year-Old Pretrial Detainee

See also In Tiny Solitary Cell: Irreversible Harm Caused

See also Complaint Filed Against Lead Special Prosecutor

See also Mother Han Briefly Released for Medical Reasons

See also A 10-Minute Visit to Mother Han in Detention

See also Great Things Come After Unintentional Sacrifice

See also The Broader Vision of the Korea-Japan Tunnel

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