Seoul City Issues Assembly Ban Order to Sarang Jeil Church ... "Violation of Quarantine Rules"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The Seoul Metropolitan Government has issued a ban on gatherings at Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu until the 5th of next month. This administrative measure prohibits not only church services but also all gatherings of believers.

On the 23rd, Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon stated in an online briefing, "Despite the government's recommendation to suspend services, Sarang Jeil Church forcibly held a joint Sunday service on the 22nd," adding, "Since they did not comply with quarantine rules, a ban on gatherings has been issued."

This church was founded by Jeon Gwang-hoon (64), pastor of the Christian Council of Korea, who is currently detained for violating the Public Official Election Act.

Mayor Park explained, "Sarang Jeil Church held services in a densely packed location, and some believers did not even wear masks," adding, "They also failed to prepare a list of attendees, thus not following the rules."

He continued, "There were unacceptable acts such as the church members verbally abusing public officials conducting on-site inspections," and added, "According to the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, all medical expenses for confirmed cases will be charged."

The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to have two employees and one Seongbuk-gu office staff member visit the church in person today to deliver an official letter notifying the ban on gatherings until the 5th of next month.

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