Guest post by a Citizen of the Republic of Korea
Introduction: A Pattern of Persecution
In the span of just a few months in 2025, the South Korean government under President Lee Jae-myung has launched a series of unprecedented raids against major churches and senior Christian leaders. What makes this wave of crackdowns so alarming is not only its scale, but also its unmistakable political targeting.
The churches under attack—Yeouido Full Gospel Church, SaRang Jeil Church, Segyero Church, and Unjeong Chamjon Church—have something in common: they are at the forefront of defending freedom, practicing biblical convictions, and voicing opposition to the impeachment and imprisonment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol and former First Lady Kim Keon-hee.
Since the National Assembly forced through the impeachment bill in December 2024, these churches have been the backbone of nationwide protests demanding Yoon’s reinstatement and release.
Public opposition to impeachment surged above 50%, largely driven by church-led movements. Today, the overwhelming majority of citizens who still reject Lee Jae-myung’s presidency and call for Yoon’s release are Christians.
The government knows this. And by striking at churches, it is attempting to dismantle the very infrastructure of resistance.
Case 1: SaRang Jeil Church (Rev. Jeon Kwang-hoon)
On August 5, police raided Rev. Jeon’s residence, church, and media studio, citing allegations that he incited the “Seobu Court riot” in January.
Reality: The event in question occurred hours after Jeon had already ended his rally.
Church stance: Jeon insisted, “I am an emeritus pastor, not even in a position to give such orders.”
Criticism: The raid was not about genuine evidence but about punishing a pastor whose church spearheaded anti-impeachment protests.
Case 2: Segyero Church (Rev. Son Hyun-bo)
On May 12, police stormed Rev. Son’s office and even seized his personal phone, citing alleged election law violations. His crime? Hosting a candidate for a discussion ahead of the Busan superintendent of education by-election and uploading the video online.
Church stance: Over 1,200 Christian and civic groups immediately gathered at the National Assembly, calling the raid “unprecedented religious persecution.”
Their point: Son never told congregants whom to vote for. He merely urged participation. Using microphones in a 5,000-seat sanctuary was treated as if it were unlawful campaigning.
Criticism: A blatant overreach. The state reinterpreted normal pastoral duties as criminal acts.
Case 3: Unjeong Chamjon Church (Rev. Ko Byung-chan)
Just two weeks later, on May 26, Unjeong Chamjon Church was raided alongside Segyero.
Church stance: Leaders decried that police intruded during worship and even seized pastors’ personal devices. “This is not mere procedure—it destroys the sanctity of the church itself.”
Criticism: Crossing the threshold into active worship space represents a dangerous precedent. Once the sanctity of the pulpit is violated by the state, no faith community is safe.
Case 4: Yeouido Full Gospel Church (Rev. Lee Young-hoon)
On July 18, prosecutors raided the world’s largest Pentecostal church and Rev. Lee’s home. The pretext: alleged “lobbying” for a former Marine Corps commander implicated in the controversial death of a soldier.
Rev. Lee’s response: “I never even received a prayer request related to the case. There was no lobbying, no words exchanged with officials.”
Criticism: To drag the nation’s most influential pastor into a political case was to send a chilling message: no church is untouchable.
Case 5: Far East Broadcasting (Rev. Kim Jang-hwan)
The same day, authorities raided Far East Broadcasting, targeting Rev. Kim Jang-hwan, a veteran Christian broadcaster.
Political response: The main opposition party, People Power Party, issued a formal statement: “Raiding revered senior pastors on flimsy grounds is an abuse of power and a violation of constitutional religious freedom.”
Criticism: This case revealed that the raids were no longer “law enforcement.” They had become a naked political tool.
The Common Thread
What ties these cases together is clear:
- Each targeted church has been central to the anti-impeachment, pro-Yoon movement.
- Each raid intruded on constitutionally protected spaces of worship, from sanctuaries to pastors’ offices.
- Each case demonstrates inflated charges—turning sermons, discussions, or even silence into “crimes.”
By labeling pastors as criminals, the government aims to delegitimize church-led protests and break the spine of resistance.
Constitutional Implications
South Korea’s Constitution explicitly guarantees freedom of religion and the separation of church and state. Yet in 2025, churches have been raided in ways unseen even under past dictatorships. Police entered sanctuaries during worship. Prosecutors seized pastors’ private devices. Judges rubber-stamped warrants without restraint.
This is not the rule of law. It is the weaponization of law.
Why This Matters Beyond Korea
These raids are not just a domestic Korean issue. They strike at values that the international community, and especially the United States, hold dear:
- Religious freedom is the first freedom. If South Korea abandons it, the impact will be felt globally.
- Alliance at risk. South Korea is America’s closest ally in Asia. A government that suppresses faith and freedom while leaning toward Beijing undermines the trust that alliance depends on.
- A global pattern. Around the world, leftist regimes and Soros-backed networks have weaponized law (“lawfare”) to silence churches, conservatives, and pro-freedom movements. Korea today is part of that same pattern.
- Aligned with Trump’s vision. President Trump has always stood for freedom of faith, freedom of speech, and opposition to socialism. The crackdown on Korean churches is an assault on all three.
Conclusion: A Warning for the Free World
The world should understand: these are not isolated cases. They are coordinated moves by a government fearful of its people and determined to silence its most organized opposition—the church.
Korean Christians, by their faith and their courage, have stood against unjust impeachment and called for the release of their elected leader. For this, they are being punished.
Religious freedom is the first freedom. If South Korea, long considered a beacon of liberty in Asia, abandons it, the consequences will reverberate far beyond its borders.
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