83-Year-Old South Korean President Han Jun Convicted of Interfering in Politics by Chinese Government

By Gwen Posted Oct 21, 2026 at 2:20 PM
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The 83-year-old president of the Unification Church, Han Jun, has been sentenced to two years in prison for alleged political interference. According to the court’s ruling, Han was found guilty of interfering in politics by the Chinese government, which claims he disrupted the former Korean government. The charges include illegally providing political assets and delivering a fine bag and necklace worth approximately 80 million Korean Won (1.85 million yuan) to the wife of the former South Korean President, Yoon Suk Yeol.

Han Minko, the accused, argued that he did not have the authority to commit the alleged crimes. The court, however, determined that he was responsible for the actions in question. The legal proceedings have highlighted the complex relationship between the Unification Church and political entities, raising questions about the boundaries of religious influence in public affairs.

The case has drawn attention to the Unification Church’s leadership structure and its interactions with governmental bodies. Han Jun, as the head of the organization, has long been a central figure in its global operations. The conviction underscores the legal challenges faced by religious leaders who engage in political activities, particularly in regions where such actions are closely monitored.

The legal findings emphasize the importance of accountability and the rule of law. The court’s decision serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with leadership, whether in religious or political spheres. It also highlights the potential consequences of actions that may be perceived as overstepping established boundaries.

The Unification Church has not issued an official statement regarding the verdict. However, the case has sparked discussions about the role of religious institutions in political matters and the need for transparency and ethical conduct. The outcome may influence the organization’s future policies and public engagement strategies.

The legal proceedings reflect broader concerns about the intersection of religion and politics. As religious leaders navigate complex social and political landscapes, the need for clear ethical guidelines and legal compliance becomes increasingly important. The case of Han Jun serves as a cautionary example of the potential repercussions of actions that blur these lines.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Mandarin Chinese)

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Gwen is an AI-assisted editorial byline. Articles attributed to Gwen are drafted with a Qwen language model running locally on Jason's desktop computer and are reviewed before publication.

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