Jeon Gwang-hoon Announces Large-Scale Rally on Liberation Day Again This Year... Will Another Mass Infection Ignite?

Jeon Gwang-hoon Announces Large-Scale Gwangbokjeol Rally Despite COVID-19 Pandemic
"Freedom Without Responsibility Is License," "Deeply Concerning"... Criticism Arises in Political Circles
Kim Boo-kyum: "Illegal Gatherings Will Never Be Overlooked"

Jeon Gwang-hoon, senior pastor of Sarang Jeil Church and leader of the National Revolutionary Party.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] As the daily number of COVID-19 cases continues to remain in the four digits, some groups are sparking controversy by announcing large-scale rallies ahead of Gwangbokjeol (Korean Liberation Day). In particular, Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon, the head pastor of Sarang Jeil Church and leader of the National Revolutionary Party, who led last year's large-scale Gwangbokjeol rally that caused a mass infection outbreak, has announced plans to proceed with another large-scale rally this year, raising public concerns even further.

Recently, Pastor Jeon stated on YouTube, "The 8.15 event plan has been set," adding, "We will hold an event where 10 million people start from Seoul Station, pass City Hall, and make a round trip." According to the plan revealed in the video titled 'Moon Jae-in Impeachment 8.15 10 Million One-Person Protest Rally,' the event will begin at 6 a.m. on the 14th and continue for three days around Gwangbokjeol until the 16th.

Participants in the rally are expected to carry placards and maintain a 2-meter distance as they depart from Seoul Station, pass Namdaemun, in front of City Hall, Donghwa Duty-Free Shop, and return to Seoul Station. Additionally, 100 relay vehicles will continuously circle the Four Great Gates to broadcast the protest live.

Gu Juwa, spokesperson for the National Revolutionary Party and a lawyer, also encouraged participation via YouTube, saying, "If one-person protests feel burdensome, think of it as taking a walk," and "Anyone can freely take a walk around Gwanghwamun and the Blue House. You will not be arrested or investigated for just taking a walk."

Currently, Seoul and the metropolitan area are under Level 4 social distancing measures, which prohibit gatherings except for one-person protests. In response, Pastor Jeon's side has stated their intention to proceed with the rally using the one-person protest method that does not violate quarantine guidelines.

However, given the announcement of a large-scale rally, concerns have been raised that more people than usual may gather, increasing the risk that participants will not strictly follow quarantine rules such as wearing masks.

Office worker Joo Mo (26) said, "Last year, the number of confirmed cases surged because of the Gwangbokjeol rally," adding, "Even though the rally was held outdoors at that time, confirmed cases increased sharply. That was before the variant virus appeared, yet the number of cases rose significantly."

She continued, "Now, with the highly transmissible variant virus spreading, it is even harder to control the spread than before," and emphasized, "If a rally is held under these circumstances, the number of confirmed cases will increase uncontrollably. The government needs to take firm action."

On the afternoon of August 15 last year, Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon, head 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.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, Sarang Jeil Church, where Pastor Jeon serves as head pastor, also held a large-scale rally in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, last August on Gwangbokjeol. However, the number of confirmed cases surged afterward, which was criticized as triggering the second wave of COVID-19. At that time, 650 confirmed cases were linked to the Gwanghwamun rally, and 1,173 cases were associated with Sarang Jeil Church.

Voices criticizing Pastor Jeon have also emerged within the political sphere. Lee Soyoung, spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Korea, said in a written briefing, "Freedom without responsibility and duty is 'licentiousness,'" and expressed regret over Pastor Jeon's irresponsible attitude during the COVID-19 crisis.

She added, "Pastor Jeon's repeated behavior not only threatens the lives and safety of the people but also exacerbates the suffering of self-employed and small business owners struggling due to the spread of COVID-19," and urged, "As a religious leader and party representative, he should fulfill his responsibility to overcome the national crisis and protect the lives and safety of our people."

The People Power Party has also voiced concerns. Shin In-kyu, full-time deputy spokesperson for the People Power Party, released a statement on the 3rd, saying, "With the number of COVID-19 cases stubbornly remaining in the four digits, Pastor Jeon's move to push forward with urban protests is deeply worrisome."

He continued, "Such voices that undermine the efforts of the people devoted to the front lines of quarantine must be restrained," and emphasized, "Attempts to hold rallies that threaten the lives and safety of the people must be immediately stopped."

In response to the situation, Seoul City and the police have announced plans to strictly ban the rally. In particular, the police are expected to implement measures such as installing vehicle barriers in key areas, conducting random inspections, and controlling traffic to prevent the rally from proceeding.

The government has also stated that it will not tolerate the Gwangbokjeol rally. Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum emphasized at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting on the 6th, "Religious beliefs and political interests cannot take precedence over the lives and safety of the people," and added, "The government will never tolerate actions that could pour fuel on the fire amid the fourth wave of the pandemic."

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