Chun Ki-won, 67, received a five-year term for abusing minors at his Seoul boarding school.
For many years, the pastor was seen as a hero; he was referred to as the “Asian Schindler” and his activities served as the “Underground Railroad” for those escaping the oppressive rule in the North.
September saw his arrest in Seoul.
Six North Korean minors, including defectors who were sleeping in the dorms of the alternative school he had built at his Durihana mission, were allegedly molested by him, according to police accusations.
Despite Chun’s denial of the charges, a court on Wednesday determined that the victims’ testimony was unquestionable.
Judge Seung-jeong Kim of the Seoul Central District Court observed, “The victims are making consistent statements and it includes content that cannot be stated without first-hand experience of the circumstances.”
The judge went on to say that Chun had committed his crimes from “a position where he had absolute influence”.
Five out of the six cases of abuse against the minors—some of whom had escaped on their own, and others with the help of Chun’s mission—saw him proven guilty.
