"Forced Infinite Testing Increased Confirmed Cases," Jeon Gwang-hoon Criticizes COVID-19 Statistics

Over 600 COVID-19 Cases Linked to Sarang Jeil Church as of 19th
Prime Minister Chung: "If We Fail to Control the Quarantine Network Now, Social Distancing Level 3 Will Be Implemented"

Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon, the head pastor of Sarang Jeil Church, who tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), is seen leaving the Sarang Jeil Church parsonage in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 17th and boarding a vehicle from the Seongbuk Public Health Center. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] As the cumulative number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) related to Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, surpassed 600, Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon’s side criticized the government’s statistical method, claiming that "the quarantine authorities are deliberately increasing the number of confirmed cases by conducting excessive testing."

On the 19th, Pastor Jeon and Sarang Jeil Church issued a public statement saying, "There are clear flaws in the number of confirmed cases announced by the government," and argued, "The government should disclose the positive rate, not the number of confirmed cases, to the public."

They continued, "The government is forcing unlimited testing on Sarang Jeil Church, groups participating in the Gwanghwamun rally, and ordinary citizens involved, thereby expanding the number of confirmed cases," and criticized, "Under quarantine guidelines, forcing unlimited submission of lists, testing, and quarantine on citizens who are not contacts is an abuse of authority and illegal detention."

Pastor Jeon’s side claimed that the reason for the increase in COVID-19 confirmed cases related to the church is that the quarantine authorities have expanded the scope of specimen testing too broadly.

They stated, "If the scope is infinitely expanded to asymptomatic people and they are made to undergo testing, naturally the base population increases, resulting in more confirmed cases; if fewer tests are conducted, the number of confirmed cases decreases," emphasizing, "The government should disclose the ratio of tests conducted and confirmed cases based on current standards."

They added, "The government indiscriminately sends messages and forces testing even on people who have not visited the church for years, as if they are subject to mandatory testing and self-quarantine, and if any of them test positive, they announce all as confirmed cases related to Sarang Jeil Church," adding, "Given Korea’s close-knit social networks, it means that all confirmed cases nationwide can be said to be related to Sarang Jeil Church after several stages."

On the afternoon of the 15th, Jeon Gwang-hoon, the senior pastor of Sarang Jeil Church, is speaking at a rally condemning the government and ruling party held in front of Donghwa Duty Free Shop in Jongno-gu, Seoul. / Photo by Yonhap News

The cluster infection related to Sarang Jeil Church began on the 12th. According to Seoul City, one church member was confirmed positive on that day, and the cumulative number of confirmed cases increased to 13 the next day (13th). On the afternoon of the 15th, when the conservative groups led the '8.15 Liberation Day Rally to Condemn the Moon Jae-in Government,' the number surged to 134.

The city issued an administrative order banning the rally, fearing a COVID-19 cluster infection, as Pastor Jeon and some church members were expected to participate in the Liberation Day rally.

Nevertheless, Pastor Jeon attended the Liberation Day rally that day and stood on the podium. At the time, he said, "The district office came to our church and notified me that I was designated for quarantine," adding, "I am perfectly fine and have no fever," raising suspicions that he violated self-quarantine rules.

Meanwhile, the cumulative number of COVID-19 confirmed cases related to Sarang Jeil Church reached 623 on the 19th. On the same day, the number of new domestic COVID-19 confirmed cases increased by 297, marking six consecutive days of triple-digit increases since the 14th.

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun announced that from midnight on that day, social distancing level 2 would be implemented in Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon areas, where indoor gatherings of 50 or more and outdoor gatherings of 100 or more are generally prohibited.

In a public address at the Government Seoul Office on the 18th, Prime Minister Chung said, "It has been confirmed that confirmed cases related to Sarang Jeil Church attended the rally held in Gwanghwamun on Liberation Day, raising concerns about further spread," emphasizing, "If we fail to regain control over the quarantine network now, we will have no choice but to consider raising to level 3. This will cause a significant shock to our country’s economy and livelihood."

He added, "To overcome the current crisis, I earnestly appeal to citizens in the metropolitan area to demonstrate a high level of civic consciousness."

Meanwhile, Pastor Jeon was diagnosed with COVID-19 on the 17th and was transferred to Seoul Medical Center in Jungnang-gu, a hospital dedicated to COVID-19. He is currently receiving inpatient treatment in a negative pressure isolation ward within the medical center.

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