"Spreading False Beliefs, Must Take Responsibility" Choo Mi-ae Criticizes Jeon Kwang-hoon Repeatedly

Former Pastor Tests Positive for COVID-19 on the Afternoon of the 17th

Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae is attending the Cabinet meeting held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 18th.
Photo by Jin-Hyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] As confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) originating from Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, centered in the metropolitan area, surge rapidly, Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae once again criticized Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church, saying, "If you incited and provoked misguided beliefs, you must take responsibility."

On the 20th, Minister Choo pointed out through her Facebook, "Religion that rejects a rational and scientific worldview is superstition," and added, "Politics that exploits and neglects superstition disguised as religion and mocks the rule of law under the pretext of freedom has abandoned its role."

She continued, "Moreover, even though everyone can understand that crowding and gathering in public squares are very dangerous for COVID-19 prevention, causing confusion with statements such as 'Outdoor transmission does not occur' and 'We must refuse the authorities' instructions because COVID-19 is being used politically,' and inciting through faith and agitation, those responsible must be held accountable."

Minister Choo also criticized Pastor Jeon on the 18th, saying, "Privilege that ignores the protection of the public is not granted to self-proclaimed religious leaders."

Pastor Jeon has continued to claim that the COVID-19 virus does not spread outdoors. At a rally in Gwanghwamun last February, he asserted, "Statistics have shown that this infectious disease does not spread at all outdoors."

Before testing positive for COVID-19, Pastor Jeon also claimed that he was in normal health, saying he had "no symptoms." On the 15th, during the Liberation Day rally held in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, he stood on the podium and said, "I don't even have a fever," and "I have no symptoms of the disease at all."

Pastor Jeon was indicted and detained on charges including violating the Public Official Election Act for appealing for support for a specific political party at rallies, but he was released on bail in April.

Additionally, although he was released on the condition that he would not participate in rallies, Pastor Jeon attended the Liberation Day rally on the 15th. The organizers estimated that about 50,000 people attended the rally.

Notably, even though about 40 confirmed cases had been reported at Sarang Jeil Church the day before the rally on the 14th, Pastor Jeon reportedly encouraged church members to attend the rally. Ultimately, he was diagnosed positive two days after attending the rally, on the 17th, and was transferred to a hospital.

Meanwhile, according to the Central Disease Control Headquarters, as of noon on the previous day (the 19th), the total cumulative number of confirmed cases related to Sarang Jeil Church is 623.

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