Cheonjeonggung Visits Lead to Revocation of Unification Church Leader Han Hak-ja's Bail

[Anchor]

The bail for Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja has been revoked. Released on bail for chronic illness treatment, it was revealed that she left her designated hospital and traveled back and forth to Unification Church facilities. The court also cited concerns over the destruction of evidence.

Reporter Bae Seong-jae.

[Reporter]

A vehicle carrying Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja enters the Seoul Detention Center.

The Seoul High Court revoked the bail of Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja yesterday (November 3), citing violations of the bail conditions set by the court and concerns that she might destroy evidence.

Previously on October 19, the court granted Han's request for bail on the grounds of treating a chronic illness, restricting her residence to Asan Medical Center in Seoul.

The court also attached a condition prohibiting contact with anyone other than limited personnel, such as medical staff, legal counsel, and mobility assistants.

However, after it was revealed that Han left the hospital and traveled to Cheonjeonggung, a Unification Church facility in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, the court held a hearing during the trial the day before yesterday to determine whether to revoke her bail.

The special prosecutor's team argued that although she was released on bail under the pretext of having difficulty moving and being visually impaired, the fact that she was able to travel 100 kilometers round-trip daily showed no necessity for medical bail.

They also raised the possibility that she may have contacted witnesses who had attended or were scheduled to attend the trial while at Cheonjeonggung.

Han's side explained that while they were aware of the restriction on residence, they did not know that going out was restricted, adding that she had simply taken a break during the day before returning to the hospital.

In response, the court pointed out, "It is even more baffling to hear that you interpreted it as being allowed to go out to Cheonjeonggung." Ultimately, the court revoked Han's bail yesterday and confiscated the 200 million won bail deposit to the state treasury.

Han was indicted on charges including delivering 100 million won in political funds to then-People Power Party lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong in January 2022, and handing over an expensive necklace and bag to Kim Keon-hee to lobby for pending church issues.

In August, she was found guilty of major charges in her first trial and sentenced to two years in prison, and she is currently undergoing appellate proceedings.

(Video Reported by Bae Moon-san | Video Edited by Lee Sang-min)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.