‘Release for 9 Days’: Unification Church Followers Thank ‘Mother’ with Tears
Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja was temporarily released from jail for medical treatment, prompting emotional reactions from her followers.
Han Hak-ja, the leader of the Unification Church, was granted a temporary release from detention to receive medical treatment, drawing a crowd of her followers at the Seoul Detention Center in Gyeonggi Province. This release came after the Seoul Central District Court accepted her request for a suspension of execution regarding her imprisonment. Han is set to receive treatment from the morning of the 12th until the afternoon of the 21st before returning to custody. Her followers organized a prayer meeting outside the detention center to express their joy over her release.
After approximately 140 days in custody since her arrest in September last year, Han emerged from the detention center in a wheelchair and was met with cheers from her supporters, who referred to her as 'Mother.' Many followers expressed their gratitude and love, chanting phrases such as "Thank you, Mother!" and "We love you, Mother!" Some were visibly emotional, demonstrating the deep affection and respect she commands within her community. Han, who is seen as a divinely appointed figure alongside her late husband Moon Sun-myung, faces allegations related to bribery involving high-profile political figures.
The Unification Church responded to her temporary release by sharing a statement, expressing gratitude for the court's decision and the opportunity for Han's medical treatment. This incident highlights both the dedicated support of the Unification Church community and the ongoing legal challenges faced by its leadership, as Han's case continues to generate significant attention both within South Korea and beyond, particularly given her controversial status in society and church teachings.