Jeon Gwang-hoon "If the government’s tail is long, it will be stepped on"... 'At the edge of a cliff' amid all-out pressure

Jeon Gwang-hoon Holds Press Conference on Discharge Day and Releases Statement on 3rd
Police Conduct Search and Seizure at Four Locations Including Residence Immediately After Discharge
Bail Cancellation Decision Expected Soon
Seoul City Plans to Claim Compensation... Nearby Merchants Also File Collective Damage Claims
Church Community Moves to Expel

Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon, who was treated for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and discharged, is holding a press conference on the 2nd in front of Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church repeated his claim that the government is blaming the church for the failure of quarantine measures the day after he described the government's quarantine measures as a "fraud" at a press conference immediately after his discharge from the hospital.

On the same day, Pastor Jeon issued a statement through his legal team, saying, "The act of the state blaming all faults on specific citizens and groups and throwing them to the public as scapegoats cannot last long." The Sarang Jeil Church legal team held a press conference in front of Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, in the afternoon to address the police raid conducted the previous day.

Pastor Jeon said, "Yesterday, President Moon Jae-in insulted me by referring to me as Jeon Gwang-hoon, and immediately after, about ten police cars were dispatched to raid my residence. I can handle that personally," adding, "However, my demand for a public explanation and apology from President Moon concerns the free democratic system of our country that we must pass on to future generations."

He continued, "I have never refused quarantine measures, nor have I ever obstructed them. I do not agree at all with the claim that Sarang Jeil Church spread over 1,000 confirmed cases and that they are the main culprits of the current COVID-19 infections," asserting, "That is fake news and a serious defamation through the spread of false information."

Finally, Pastor Jeon said, "I once again request President Moon to clearly declare and promise before the entire nation that the Republic of Korea will not become a socialist, communist, or a federal state with North Korea."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Attorney Kang Yeon-jae of the Sarang Jeil Church legal team also said, "They keep repeating parroting words like 'audacity' to us, but whether we or President Moon Jae-in are audacious can be verified with facts," and asked, "How long will they continue to gradually end by blaming a specific group as the main culprit?" He also demanded that President Moon disclose data supporting the daily announced number of new confirmed cases and the cumulative confirmed cases originating from Sarang Jeil Church.

With Pastor Jeon's discharge, investigations into allegations of obstructing quarantine measures have officially begun. On the 2nd, the police conducted a raid lasting about two hours on four church-related facilities, including Pastor Jeon's residence. This was the second forced investigation following a raid on the 22nd of last month to secure a list of church members. The police plan to analyze the materials obtained through the raid and summon Pastor Jeon for questioning if necessary. Pastor Jeon is suspected of violating the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act by submitting an incomplete and concealed list of Sarang Jeil Church members involved in the cluster infection, thereby obstructing epidemiological investigations. He is also accused of violating self-quarantine orders by participating in the Liberation Day rally.

There are immediate calls for revocation of his bail, especially from political circles. Choi In-ho, chief spokesperson of the Democratic Party of Korea, said at a National Assembly briefing the previous day, "Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon's irrational and unreasonable behavior must be held accountable," and urged, "The prosecution requested bail revocation on the 16th, and we urge the court to make a prompt decision." Kim Tae-nyeon, floor leader, also urged the court at the Supreme Council meeting, "The court should no longer delay the decision on bail revocation," calling for a swift ruling. Supreme Court nominee Lee Heung-gu also stated at his confirmation hearing that the court should consider revoking Pastor Jeon's bail ex officio.

Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon, who was treated for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and discharged, is attending a press conference held on the 2nd in front of Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, wearing a mask pulled up. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

The Seoul Central District Court, which holds the authority to decide on bail revocation, is expected to soon make a decision on whether to re-detain Pastor Jeon following his discharge. He was arrested and indicted in March this year but was released on bail in April. Initially, the prosecution applied for bail revocation on the 16th of last month, citing violations of bail conditions such as attending rallies in Gwanghwamun. However, the day after the application, Pastor Jeon tested positive for COVID-19, and the decision on bail revocation was delayed until his discharge.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government's notice of claim for damages is also a significant burden for Sarang Jeil Church. The city plans to file a lawsuit early this month after comprehensively reviewing the scope of responsibility and compensation amount related to violations of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act. The National Health Insurance Service also announced it will claim reimbursement for about 5.5 billion KRW in medical expenses it covered for confirmed cases related to Sarang Jeil Church. Nearby merchants are preparing a collective damage compensation lawsuit, claiming losses due to the church's non-cooperation with quarantine measures. The Protestant community is also beginning moves to expel the church. Regular general meetings of major Protestant denominations are scheduled from this month through next month, where a heresy ruling on Pastor Jeon is expected to be discussed.

As such, with comprehensive pressure mounting from the government, political circles, and religious communities surrounding Sarang Jeil Church, Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon is increasingly cornered. Nevertheless, he continues to hold press conferences criticizing the government’s quarantine failures immediately upon discharge, not ceasing his claims. This is interpreted as his strategy to find a way out by criticizing the government while being a nationwide target.

Meanwhile, the total number of COVID-19 confirmed cases related to Sarang Jeil Church rose to 1,139 as of noon on the day. Confirmed cases related to the Gwanghwamun rally held on the 15th of last month reached 462.

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