The South Korean government is facing mounting international criticism following public statements by senior officials targeting a specific religious group, raising fundamental questions about religious freedom and democratic principles in one of Asia's leading economies. President Lee Jae Myung publicly condemned Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony on January 12, declaring that "the harm they cause to society has been left unchecked for too long, resulting in serious damage." The following day, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok echoed these remarks during a cabinet meeting, ordering a joint investigation into what he called a "pseudo-religious group" and "cult" aimed at its "eradication."
These statements have prompted immediate concerns about religious persecution, particularly since Article 20 of the Constitution of South Korea guarantees freedom of religion as a fundamental right. Critics assert that the President's remarks, made without any judicial ruling, undermine constitutional and democratic principles by fostering stigma and hostility toward a specific religion. Following these statements, a joint team of law enforcement agencies was assembled and investigations are underway, with ongoing discussions in the National Assembly regarding the appointment of a special prosecutor raising concerns about additional compulsory measures including search-and-seizure operations.
Shincheonji Church of Jesus, founded in 1984 by Chairman Lee Man-hee, is a rapidly growing Christian organization reporting increases of over 100,000 members annually. The organization first became a major focus of state action during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, when authorities conducted large-scale investigations over alleged violations of infectious disease laws. Shincheonji reported more than ten search-and-seizure operations targeting its headquarters and branch churches during that period. President Lee Jae Myung, who was the governor of Gyeonggi Province at the time, adopted a hardline stance, personally leading a forced entry into Shincheonji's headquarters.
South Korean courts later acquitted Shincheonji of major charges, including alleged violations of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act. In response to the current situation, Shincheonji stated that "although numerous complaints and accusations have been filed against us, courts have consistently dropped charges or ruled 'not guilty,'" adding that "issues already resolved by the judiciary are now being recycled as tools for political and public attacks." The church emphasized that it is "a religious community with no intention of engaging in political conflict," and urged authorities to "stop using a specific religion as a scapegoat while speaking of national unity."
International concern has grown significantly, with U.S. President Donald Trump alluding to allegations that the South Korean government has conducted "very vicious raids" on churches and entered U.S. military bases to gather information. In August, the president's post on Truth Social indicated that "a purge or a revolution" in South Korea could be taking place. Observers note that it is highly unusual for the leader of an allied nation to publicly express concern over another country's internal law enforcement practices.
In December, the International Democracy Union (IDU) stated that South Korea should be monitored for adherence to core governance principles and the protection of fundamental rights. Resolutions of this nature directed at South Korea are rare, especially on issues related to governance and the rule of law. Freedom of religion is expressly protected under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and any interference by the state must meet standards of legality, proportionality, and minimal restriction.
This case poses a fundamental question for liberal democracies: To what extent can the state intervene in religious matters and fundamental civil rights? Many observers point to a sharp contrast between South Korea's image as a K-Pop and K-Drama cultural powerhouse and a growing perception that the nation exhibits signs of democratic regression. The organization maintains its global media presence through SCJ TV, its official broadcasting channel featuring worship, Bible education, teaching, and cultural content aimed at making its Bible-based teachings accessible to audiences worldwide. International attention is turning to the future of South Korea's democracy as it bears the weight of this fundamental question about the balance between state authority and religious freedom.
