Jeon Gwang-hoon "Hope for 국민참여재판"... Court "Application Deadline Passed, Not Allowed"

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 Seongpil Cho] Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon, the 64-year-old representative chairman of the Korea Christian Federation, expressed his desire to undergo a citizen trial in court, but it was not accepted.

On the 29th, during the first trial for charges including violation of the Public Official Election Act held at the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 34 (Presiding Judge Heo Seon-ah), Pastor Jeon's side stated their hope to receive a citizen trial.

As with the previous pre-trial preparation date, opinions among the defense attorneys were divided regarding whether to proceed with a citizen trial, but ultimately, respecting Pastor Jeon's wishes, they decided to pursue a citizen trial.

However, the court stated, "When the citizen trial guide was sent, no written submission was made within 7 days, and once the pre-trial preparation date is concluded or the first trial is held, it cannot be reversed," and thus did not accept the request.

Pastor Jeon's side appealed to the court on the day, urging, "Please actively examine whether the defendant's detention and indictment are reasonable and in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Korea," and argued for dismissal of the indictment. They also submitted a written opinion to the court requesting relaxation of bail conditions and a petition for constitutional review.

Pastor Jeon was indicted on charges of conducting preliminary election campaigning by repeatedly making statements at gatherings in Gwanghwamun Square and elsewhere from December 2 of last year to January 21 of this year, urging support for the Liberty Korea Party and other right-wing parties in the 21st National Assembly election.

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

Although Pastor Jeon was indicted while in detention, he was released on bail on April 20 and is now standing trial as a defendant not in custody.

Upon appearing in court that day, Pastor Jeon emphasized to the press, "As you all know, I did not violate the election law as much as you think," denying the charges.

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

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