Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon Denies Charges, Appears in Court Saying "I Did Not Violate Election Law"

Senior Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church, who was indicted for violating the Public Official Election Act, is responding to reporters' questions as he enters the courtroom for the first trial held on the 29th at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon, chairman of the Korea Christian Federation, who was indicted on charges of appealing for support for a specific political party at the Gwanghwamun rally, denied the charges upon appearing in court.

The Criminal Division 34 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Heo Seon-ah) held the first trial on the morning of the 29th for Pastor Jeon, who was indicted on charges including violation of the Public Official Election Act and defamation.

Upon arriving at the court, Pastor Jeon emphasized to the press, "As you all know, I did not violate the election law as much as you think."

Regarding his claim that the police illegally surveilled him, he stated, "The police placed four cameras in my house and monitored me. This is something that should never happen in our society, and I raised an issue about it."

Pastor Jeon was brought to trial on charges of conducting preliminary election campaigning by repeatedly urging support for the Liberty Korea Party and other right-wing parties during rallies at Gwanghwamun Square from December 2 last year to January 21 this year.

He is also charged with defaming the President by making statements at the rallies implying that "President Moon Jae-in is a spy and is attempting to turn South Korea into a communist state."

Although Pastor Jeon was indicted while in custody, he was released on bail on April 20 and is now standing trial as an unrestrained defendant.

At this trial, after Pastor Jeon's side presents specific opinions on the charges, witness examinations of two police officers from the Jongno Police Station in Seoul are scheduled to take place.

Previously, the court announced that it would conclude the arguments by the end of August and deliver a verdict before September 23, which marks six months since Pastor Jeon was indicted.

According to Article 270 of the Public Official Election Act, the verdict for election crimes in the first trial must be delivered within six months from the date the indictment is filed.

Pastor Jeon's defense attorney, during a prior preparatory hearing, fully denied the charges, stating, "It is true that the defendant made statements as alleged, but only a few were selectively edited from the numerous remarks he made."

He also requested, "There were many issues with the police's evidence collection and investigation procedures. Please determine whether the investigation was lawful."

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