Elderly Unification Church Leader’s Health Deteriorates in Pretrial Detention Amid Exhaustive Interrogations

Advanced | October 23, 2025

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Major Health Concern: Unification Church Leader Health Deterioration in Detention

On September 22, 2025, 83-year-old Han Hak-ja, longtime leader of the Unification Church and widow of founder Sun Myung Moon, appeared for a detention review hearing at the Seoul Central District Court. (world.kbs.co.kr)
Her legal team argued that her advanced age and deteriorating health make her detention particularly risky, noting that she arrived in a wheelchair and had difficulty moving. (koreajoongangdaily.joins.com)
The special counsel’s office, however, insisted that detention was necessary due to risks of evidence destruction and non-cooperation. (cm.asiae.co.kr)

The ongoing Unification Church leader health deterioration case has drawn national concern as questions grow about the treatment of elderly detainees and the intersection of faith and politics.

Legal Battle and Allegations: Unification Church Leader Faces Serious Charges

Alleged Bribery and Political Collusion

Han is charged with collaborating with church officials in 2022 to funnel 100 million won (~USD 70,000) to a key lawmaker — allegedly in exchange for state-project favors under the administration of Yoon Suk-yeol. (world.kbs.co.kr)
She also faces accusations of permitting luxury gifts (a necklace, Chanel bag) given to the former first lady, linked to the church’s bid for influence. (world.kbs.co.kr)

Detention Status and Health Arguments

The court rejected Han’s request to postpone detention based on health grounds and went ahead with the warrant. (koreajoongangdaily.joins.com)
Because of her age and condition, her legal team argued the risk of “irreversible harm” if she remained in detention. (koreajoongangdaily.joins.com)

Behind the Detention: What’s Really Going On?

Intensive Interrogations

Han underwent questioning sessions lasting over four hours while in detention. Her team cited this as evidence the process is both exhaustive and physically taxing for someone her age. (world.kbs.co.kr)

Political and Institutional Implications

The case is part of a broader probe into ties between the Unification Church, political influence, and state-projects in South Korea. Observers point out that the detention of such a senior figure could mark a turning point in public trust for religious-political entanglements. (reuters.com)

What to Watch Next: Potential Impact & Outcomes

For the Leader and the Church

If Han’s health worsens in detention, the church may press for bail or special protections on humanitarian grounds. The case could strain the institution’s reputation internally and among followers.

For Korean Politics and Governance

The investigation could lead to further revelations about how religious organisations interact with government and political parties. Detention and trial of a high-profile religious leader may influence future governance decisions and regulation of similar organisations.

Vocabulary

Deteriorate (verb) – to become progressively worse.
Example: “Her health began to deteriorate during the pretrial detention.”
Detention (noun) – the act of keeping someone in custody, typically during arrest or before trial.
Example: “She remains in detention while the investigation proceeds.”
Collusion (noun) – secret or illegal cooperation or conspiracy, especially to commit wrongdoing.
Example: “The charges include collusion between the church and a lawmaker.”
Summons (noun) – an official order to appear before a court or law enforcement body.
Example: “She had refused several summons before being detained.” (cm.asiae.co.kr)
Irreversible (adjective) – not able to be undone or altered.
Example: “Her lawyers warned of irreversible harm if detention continued.” (koreajoongangdaily.joins.com)
Warrant (noun) – a legal document authorising an arrest or search.
Example: “The court approved a warrant for her detention.” (aljazeera.com)
Interrogate (verb) – to ask questions systematically, often aggressively or formally.
Example: “She was interrogated for hours in detention.” (world.kbs.co.kr)
Lobbying (noun) – the act of attempting to influence decisions made by officials.
Example: “Allegations say the church engaged in lobbying through gifts to officials.”
Reputation (noun) – the beliefs or opinions widely held about someone or something.
Example: “The church’s reputation is under strain due to the investigation.”
Ethical (adjective) – relating to moral principles or the branch of knowledge dealing with them.
Example: “The case raises ethical questions about religious organisations.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What are the main health and legal concerns surrounding the leader’s detention?
How do the allegations of collusion and political influence affect public perception of the church?
Should age and health be major considerations in pretrial detention decisions? Why or why not?
What signals might this case send to other religious or political institutions?
How can transparency and accountability be balanced with religious freedom in such cases?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

What role should religious organisations play in politics, if any?
How should legal systems treat senior religious figures who face serious charges?
What protections should detainees have if they are elderly or unwell?
How can societies ensure that investigations into religious-political entanglements are fair?
What might be the long-term impact if major religious institutions lose public trust?

Related Idiom or Phrase

“Under the microscope” – being examined or scrutinised very closely.
Example: “The Unification Church is now under the microscope amid the high-profile detention of its leader.”

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This article was inspired by: Reuters (reuters.com)