Police Arrest Three Sarang Jeil Church Officials for Obstructing Eviction Enforcement

The third eviction enforcement at Seongbuk-gu Sarang Jeil Church was halted after about 7 hours. According to the police on the 26th, approximately 570 enforcement personnel from the Seoul Northern District Court attempted to carry out a forced eviction of the church facilities starting around 1 a.m., but withdrew around 8:30 a.m. due to resistance from the congregation. The photo shows the Sarang Jeil Church on that day. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] Three officials of Sarang Jeil Church were arrested for using incendiary devices such as Molotov cocktails to prevent demolition during the eviction process.

The Jongam Police Station in Seoul announced that arrest warrants were issued by the court yesterday for three church officials suspected of obstructing special official duties and using Molotov cocktails.

The police have currently booked about 30 related individuals, including church members. Except for those arrested, the remaining individuals will be investigated without detention. No one has been transferred to the prosecution yet.

Earlier, on November 26 last year, the Seoul Northern District Court sent about 570 enforcement personnel to Sarang Jeil Church located in Jangwi 10 District, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, to attempt the third eviction of the church facilities. However, as church officials strongly resisted by throwing Molotov cocktails and pouring flammable substances on themselves, the enforcement was temporarily suspended and withdrawn after seven hours. Several people were injured during this process.

On the day of the incident, the police formed a dedicated investigation team at Jongam Police Station led by the head of the criminal division and have been investigating the illegal acts. The police conducted searches of the church’s main building, annex, and residence, and found flammable materials believed to have been used to prevent the eviction.

The police plan to transfer the suspects to the prosecution once the investigation is completed.

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