Pres. Han “2 years,” Jeong “suspended…” Believers outraged… (2026-08-31)

[최종근]

President Han sentenced to “2 years in prison,” Jeong Won-ju receives “suspended sentence” — Outraged believers to gather in front of the Association tomorrow (September 1 at 10:00 a.m.) (2026-08-31)

At 2:00 p.m. today, August 31, the 2nd Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Woo In-seong) handed down a prison sentence totaling two years to President Han Hak-ja—one year each for violating the Political Funds Act, and for soliciting improper favors and embezzlement in the course of business.

Meanwhile, Jeong Won-ju was sentenced to eight months in prison for each charge—a total of one year and four months—with a two-year suspended sentence.

▶ Seoul Economic Daily (2026-08-31)

https://n.news.naver.com/article/011/0004656936

Following today’s first-instance verdict, President Han Hak-ja, whose detention had been suspended until September 2, will be returned to detention. This is because the appellate court will make a new determination regarding whether to continue the suspension of her detention.

▶ Newsis (2026-07-30)

https://www.newsis.com/view/NISX20260730_0003729734

'통일교 청탁' 혐의 한학자, 석방 기간 네번째 연장…9월 2일까지

◆ The ruling by Woo In-seong court —Was it a “ruling for Jeong Won-ju”?

While the Special Prosecutor had sought a 13-year prison term, Woo In-seong court significantly reduced the sentence, handing down a two-year prison term, though it did not grant a suspended sentence.

On the other hand, Jeong Won-ju was sentenced to one year and four months in prison, with a two-year suspended sentence. This verdict is expected to come as a major shock even to Unification Church members who had remained on the sidelines until now.

▶ OhmyNews (2026-08-31)

https://www.ohmynews.com/NWS_Web/View/at_pg.aspx?CNTN_CD=A0003263303&CMPT_CD=P0010&utm_source=naver&utm_medium=newsearch&utm_campaign=naver_news

구형 '반의 반'도 안된 한학자 형량... 재판부가 내건 양형 사유는?

This is because it has become clear that the Unification Church leadership had been focusing its defense efforts on protecting Jeong Won-ju rather than on protecting President Han.

Association Chairman Song Yong-cheon, speaking in Cheongpyeong, stated that he would reveal his views on the verdict at a later date and reported only the details conveyed by the court.

(Video)

◆ A never-ending battle—Both the Special Prosecutor and the Unification Church plan to appeal

It is expected that both the Special Prosecutor and the Unification Church will file appeals against this verdict handed down by the Woo In-seong court.

1. President Han Hak-ja—Although the sentence was significantly reduced, no suspended sentence was granted

The court took into consideration President Han’s status and role, her contacts with the political world, and her involvement in the process of providing political funds and monetary gifts when determining the sentence.

On the other hand, factors considered as mitigating circumstances in sentencing appear to include the fact that Yoon Young-ho played a role in planning and executing the offenses as a whole; the fact that Unification Church members expressed their desire that President Han not be punished; and President Han’s efforts toward world peace as a religious leader.

2. Jeong Won-ju—Why was a suspended sentence granted?

The court determined that, as President Han’s closest aide for many years, Jeong Won-ju was in a position to be involved in major decision-making processes, such as attending meetings of agency heads, summarizing the outcomes of gatherings, and making decisions regarding funds.

Furthermore, the court determined that she played a certain role by being involved in contacts with political circles and the process of providing funds, as well as by expressing her opinion regarding the provision of money and valuables to the First Lady.

The Unification Church sought to protect Jeong Won-ju rather than President Han; during the trial, it attempted to downplay Jeong Won-ju’s role and shift the blame onto President Han, but the court rejected this argument.

Although Jeong Won-ju was sentenced to one year and four months in prison, suspended for two years, in this first-instance trial, the court clearly established the extent of her role.

Therefore, if the appellate court reaches a different conclusion regarding a case in which the first-instance court dismissed the indictment, this could work to Jeong Won-ju’s disadvantage. Furthermore, in the case in which the Joint Investigation Headquarters indicted her on August 28, 2026, on charges of embezzling 10.5 billion won, it will likely be difficult for her to avoid a severe sentence.

▶ News1 (2026-08-31)

https://www.news1.kr/society/court-prosecution/6274531

신천지·통일교 32명 재판행…한학자 금고서 260억원 압수(종합)

3. Yoon Young-ho and Lee Shin-hye—Cooperation with the investigation reflected in sentencing

The court sentenced Yoon Young-ho to six months in prison. This appears to have taken into account Yoon Young-ho’s decisive cooperation with the Special Prosecutor’s investigation, as well as the fact that he is currently facing trial in a separate case.

Lee Shin-hye was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for one year. This appears to have taken into account the customary practice of not detaining married couples simultaneously, as well as her sincere cooperation with the investigation.

◆ Five key issues in the appeal trial

In the appeal trial, a fierce battle is expected to unfold between the Special Prosecutor’s Office and the defense regarding the charges that were dismissed in the first trial.

The dismissed charges are generally as follows, though a more accurate understanding can be obtained once the written judgment is available.

① Certain charges relating to allegations that Han Hak-ja instigated Jeong Won-ju to destroy evidence

② Certain charges related to embezzlement in the course of business

③ Matters related to the provision of money and goods for the elections of foreign politicians

④ The embezzlement charges under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes related to Jeong Won-ju and Lee Shin-hye’s missionary activities and jewelry purchases using the Unification Fund

⑤ The portion regarding Lee Shin-hye’s sole act of embezzlement in the course of business

◆ Believers’ anger shows no signs of abating—Tomorrow (September 1), believers from Nonsan Church are scheduled to hold a protest demonstration in front of the Association headquarters as planned

It is reported that discontent among believers toward the Unification Church leadership is growing, as only President Han received a two-year prison sentence, while Jeong Won-ju was given a suspended sentence.

Amid this situation, believers of the Nonsan Church, objecting to the “six-month suspension” imposed on former Church Pastor Han In-soo, have announced that they will hold their second protest demonstration—following the one on August 18—in front of the Association at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow, September 1.

▶ Scenes from the demonstration by Nonsan Church members

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beCrxDeKrys

In addition to believers from Nonsan Church, the demonstration is expected to include believers outraged that only President Han received a prison sentence, and they are likely to demand accountability from the Unification Church leadership.

2026-08-31

Choi Jong-keun

[Unification Church Anti-Corruption Monitoring Committee]

(*As this document was generated by AI, it may contain typos or mistranslations.)

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■ Will Woo In-seong court hand down a “suspended sentence” to President Han? — Could the possibility of an overturn in the appeal trial be a factor? (2026-08-31)

https://cafe.daum.net/antiuccorruption/cRwZ/59?svc=cafeapi

■ Unification Church: “Legal Briefing Part 9” — Indictment dismissed for embezzlement of funds from affiliated organizations — Special Prosecutor did not investigate legitimate funds (2026-08-30)

https://cafe.daum.net/antiuccorruption/ZXsd/1601?svc=cafeapi

■ Joint Investigation Headquarters indicts Han Hak-ja, Jeong Won-ju, Yoon Young-ho, and Lee Cheong-woo on “suspicions of embezzling 10.5 billion won” — related to “28 billion won in the safe in Cheon Jeong Gung’s private room” (2026-08-28)

https://cafe.daum.net/antiuccorruption/as2X/795?svc=cafeapi