Jeon Gwang-hoon Appears for Warrant Hearing... "Will Assist Judicial Authorities in Patriotic Activities"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Jo] On the 2nd, Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon, chairman of the Korea Christian Federation and general representative of the Moon Jae-in Resignation National Struggle Headquarters (Beomtu-bon), who is accused of leading violent acts at a conservative group's rally in Gwanghwamun on National Foundation Day last year, appeared at the court for a pre-arrest detention hearing (warrant substantive examination).

Pastor Jeon arrived at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-dong around 10:20 a.m. With a resolute expression before the press, he stated, "The charge is that the greatest rally since the founding of the nation was a violent rally and that I instigated it, but this is completely different from the facts," adding, "I stopped President Moon Jae-in's unjust intention to hand over the Republic of Korea to North Korea." He continued, "I am confident that the judicial authorities will make a wise judgment and support my patriotic activities."

Regarding allegations of illegal fundraising through receiving offerings, he said, "As you know, offerings go through worship when our church carries out patriotic movements," adding, "It is absurd to say that Son Seok-hee incited illegal fundraising and for the media to turn that into fact and even detain people. That should not happen."

The warrant substantive examination for Pastor Jeon was held from 10:30 a.m. at the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge Song Kyung-ho, who is in charge of warrants. Judge Song listened to both sides in court and reviewed the submitted materials, and it is expected that a decision on detention will be made as early as late that night.

Pastor Jeon and others are accused of leading illegal acts (violations of the Assembly and Demonstration Act, etc.) at a regime-condemning rally held by conservative groups including Beomtu-bon in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, on October 3, National Foundation Day, last year. At that time, about 40 rally participants, including members of a North Korean defector group, were arrested on the spot for assaulting police officers and neutralizing police safety barriers while marching toward the Blue House. The police believe that Pastor Jeon and others formed an organization called the 'Sacrificial Death Squad' and planned and led these illegal acts in advance to enter the Blue House.

Pastor Jeon did not respond to four police summonses but appeared for investigation on the 12th of last month. It is reported that he denied all charges during the investigation. The warrant hearing for Pastor Jeon was originally scheduled for December 31 last year. However, the court accepted a request from Pastor Jeon's side to postpone the hearing date due to previously planned year-end and New Year’s Eve rallies, resulting in a one-time delay.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.