Accountability, not religious persecution
I’m a mental health professional and former member of the Moon organization — commonly known as the Unification Church. After being recruited into one of its front groups in 1974, I’ve spent the last 50 years helping people recover from coercive control and authoritarian abuse, including in religious settings.
That’s why I want to address the current narrative being pushed by some political and religious figures that South Korea’s potential charges against Han Hak-ja, widow of Moon Sun-myung and current head of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, amount to “religious persecution.”
They don’t.
No one is being targeted for their theology. What’s at stake here is whether serious allegations of financial exploitation, fraud and abuse of power should be investigated. And the answer is yes. It’s not persecution to apply the law equally, even when religion is involved. It’s accountability.
When I joined, it was under false pretenses. I wasn’t told I was entering a religious movement. I was slowly indoctrinated through behavior control, information filtering and the elevation of Moon and Han as divine authorities. Members were trained to surrender their critical thinking, labor, money and autonomy.
Since Moon’s death in 2012, Han has taken complete control. She calls herself the “Only Begotten Daughter of God” and heads a vast global network involving media, real estate and political influence.
The pattern remains the same: Obedience is demanded, questioning is punished, and followers are encouraged to give up their money, relationships and personal agency — all in the name of “faith.”
That’s not religious freedom. It’s undue influence. And when it results in harm, especially financial ruin or psychological trauma, it’s well within the public’s interest to investigate it.
In the U.S., evangelical pastor Mark Burns recently asked President Donald Trump to preemptively pardon Han. It’s not clear why Burns believes this is appropriate, considering no conviction — or even formal charge — has happened yet.
Burns has spoken at Unification Church events and praised Han’s leadership. He’s also known for his public support of Christian nationalism and spreading conspiracy theories. Now he’s being promoted by Allatra, a Russian authoritarian movement, to lead interfaith events in Washington, D.C.
None of this should inspire confidence. Burns’ defense doesn’t reflect the views of most religious leaders. It fits a pattern: politically connected religious figures protecting each other across national lines. It’s a network of influence, not a grassroots defense of religious liberty.
And let’s be honest — why is a U.S. pastor inserting himself into a Korean legal process? Why are foreign actors trying to spin this as an attack on faith, instead of allowing Korea’s justice system to operate without interference?
Groups like the Unification Church have long used their wealth and media power to silence critics and shape public opinion. When confronted with legal pressure, they often respond with the same script: They claim religious persecution, cast themselves as victims and accuse governments of ideological bias.
Prosecutors in South Korea are investigating financial misconduct and abuse. These are real-world concerns, not theological disputes. The law is supposed to protect citizens from fraud and coercion, no matter who’s behind it.
If someone misuses religious authority to manipulate followers into financial or emotional ruin, they shouldn’t be immune from investigation.
Moon’s movement has blurred religion and politics for decades. It has backed authoritarian regimes, funneled money to far-right political causes such as climate change denial and hosted global events with high-profile political speakers. It’s not just a church — it’s a political enterprise.
People like Burns defending Han are trying to frame her as a holy figure under siege. But that narrative ignores the structure of power and control that surrounds her. She leads an empire. The investigation is not about her belief in God. It’s about the real-world impact of her leadership — and whether the law was broken.
Japan recently moved to dissolve the Unification Church over widespread evidence of abuse. Korea has a chance to take a similar stand — not against religion, but in favor of the rule of law.
There are thousands of victims — many Korean citizens — who have lost everything after being pressured into endless donations and obedience. Some were told their ancestors would suffer if they didn’t comply. Others lost contact with family members, or experienced depression and guilt when they tried to leave.
If evidence supports charges against Han, the investigation should move forward without interference from foreign pastors or political operatives. This isn’t a religious crackdown. It’s the legal system doing what it’s supposed to do. And if leaders like Burns truly care about religious freedom, they should listen to the people who were harmed — not just defending those with power.
Healthy religion empowers people. Totalitarian groups like the Unification Church do the opposite. This case is not about theology. It’s about power, harm and whether anyone — even a self-declared divine figure — should be allowed to operate above the law.
Steven Hassan, Ph.D., (freedomofmind.com) is author of “The Cult of Trump,” “Combating Cult Mind Control” and “Freedom of Mind.”