Statement from Pastor Dr. Mark Burns on the Sentencing of 83 year old religious leader, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon
I am deeply disturbed by the sentencing of Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon by the Seoul Central District Court in South Korea.
As a pastor, an international advocate for religious freedom, and Founder and Chairman of Spiritual Diplomats, I believe this case raises serious concerns about the treatment of religious leaders and religious institutions in South Korea.
Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon is an internationally recognized religious leader whose ministry and work have reached millions of people around the world. Whatever political disagreements may exist, governments must be extremely careful that criminal law is never used in a way that becomes a weapon against religious leadership, religious organizations, or people of faith.
The freedom to worship, to organize, to speak, and to participate in the public life of a nation without fear of government persecution is a fundamental human right.
When an 83-year-old religious leader is sentenced to prison under circumstances that her church strongly disputes and intends to appeal, the international religious freedom community has a responsibility to pay attention.
I am calling upon the government and judicial authorities of the Republic of Korea to ensure that Dr. Han receives full due process, a fair and transparent appeals process, and treatment that respects both her human dignity and her religious freedom.
I also call upon religious leaders around the world, including Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and people of every faith tradition, to stand together whenever religious liberty is threatened.
Religious freedom cannot depend upon whether we agree with another person's theology.
You do not have to share someone's beliefs to defend their right to believe them.
Spiritual Diplomats stands against religious persecution anywhere in the world. We will continue to speak for people of faith whose fundamental freedoms are threatened, regardless of denomination, religion, nationality, or political affiliation.
South Korea is an important democracy and a valued friend of the United States. Precisely because of that friendship, we must be willing to speak openly when actions raise serious questions about religious liberty and fundamental human rights.
I stand with Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon in calling for justice, due process, religious freedom, and the protection of her fundamental human rights.
Pastor Dr. Mark Burns
Founder & Chairman
@SpiritDiplomats
https://t.co/wAjG3nMDhh
Spiritual Advisor to President Donald J. Trump
In a matter of hours, Dr. Hak Ja Han is expected to learn her fate in a South Korean courtroom. Prosecutors have asked for a 13-year prison sentence for the 83-year-old religious leader, who has denied the allegations against her.
I asked Dr. Demian Dunkley to join me on Newt’s World because people need to understand who Dr. Han is, what has happened to her, and why I believe this case is about far more than one woman or one church.
I believe there is a global war on God taking place in plain sight, and Dr. Han has found herself in the middle of it. Before the court rules, I hope you will listen to this important conversation. https://t.co/OSlEhZPQGJ
Targeting of Religious Leaders in South Korea: Long Pre-Trial Detention Risks Social Exclusion of Religion
South Korea is seeing specific religious leaders and pastors subjected to prolonged pre-trial detention and aggressive raids on churches.
Key Cases (no final convictions yet):
- Pastor Son Hyun-bo (Segero Church, Busan):
Detained since Sept 8, 2025; held for about 5 months (143 days); released early 2026 with suspended sentence.
- Dr. Hak Ja Han (Unification Church):
Detained since Sept 22, 2025 (age 83); held for more than 290 days (over 9.5 months) with several temporary medical releases.
- Lee Man-hee (Shincheonji):
Detained since June 24, 2026 (age 95); held for ~17 days so far.
In addition, many churches and pastors — including Yoido Full Gospel Church — faced aggressive raids and questioning over their political statements and controversial May 18-related remarks.
These forceful searches by special prosecutors under the Lee Jae-myung administration risk fostering the view that "religion itself is the problem in society and we don’t need it to live."
We need to bring attention to the targeting of religious leaders.