Seoul City Secures List of Sarang Jeil Church Members and Visitors... Begins Epidemiological Investigation

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The Seoul Metropolitan Government has begun a full-scale epidemiological investigation based on materials secured from the police's search and seizure of Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, conducted on the 21st and 22nd.

Park Yu-mi, Director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Citizen Health Bureau (Quarantine Controller), held an emergency briefing on the afternoon of the 22nd and stated, "Since the afternoon of the previous day, through the police's search and seizure of Sarang Jeil Church, we have confirmed the membership list, worship attendance records, the list of visitors to Sarang Jeil Church, the list of people who stayed and ate at the church, as well as plans and meeting minutes related to the August 15 event. We will promptly analyze these materials and take necessary measures to ensure that those identified as requiring testing receive tests immediately."

Despite requests from the government and the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the epidemiological investigation team was denied entry to the church, and church members obstructed the investigation by verbally abusing and threatening officials. In response, on the 20th at 10:30 p.m., the city filed a complaint with the police against the pastor of Sarang Jeil Church and two legal representatives for violating the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act by refusing and obstructing the epidemiological investigation. The police immediately launched an investigation into Sarang Jeil Church.

After obtaining a search warrant for the church from the court, the police deployed about 70 officers to Sarang Jeil Church at 8:45 p.m. on the 21st and conducted the search and seizure until 12:45 a.m. the following day.

Following the police's search and seizure, a joint epidemiological investigation team of about 40 members from the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the central government conducted an epidemiological investigation from 1:15 a.m. to 3:50 a.m. on the 22nd.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to analyze the materials secured through the epidemiological investigation together with the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters. If individuals requiring testing are identified, they will be promptly tested. Additionally, if any illegal acts such as falsification or omission by Sarang Jeil Church are discovered by comparing with previously submitted materials, the city will file complaints and claim damages under the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act to hold the church accountable for obstructing quarantine measures.

Director Park said, "The number of confirmed cases related to Sarang Jeil Church has exceeded 700, and cases are occurring nationwide, creating a very serious situation. Those who receive testing guidance contact from the Seoul Metropolitan Government are urged to visit the nearest screening clinic and get tested as quickly as possible."

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