The 6th Eviction Execution at Sarang Jeil Church Also Fails... Devotees Resist Fiercely (Summary)

Regarding the demolition issue, the court took the sixth eviction enforcement action on the 15th against Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, which has been in conflict with the redevelopment association. Church members are confronting the enforcement personnel from utility poles and the roof. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] The 6th eviction enforcement against Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, which has been in conflict with the redevelopment association over demolition issues, has once again failed.

According to the court on the 15th, the Seoul Northern District Court sent about 500 enforcement personnel from around 3:15 a.m. to carry out a forced execution on the church facilities. However, due to increased concerns over accidents caused by resistance from the believers, the personnel eventually withdrew around 9 a.m., about six hours later.

Upon hearing the enforcement news, about 300 believers gathered near the church. The police deployed about 500 officers in preparation for possible clashes during the enforcement. The fire department also dispatched about 110 personnel and equipment to prepare for any emergencies, and about 10 district office officials were present at the scene.

At the site, believers fiercely resisted by confronting security company employees, throwing stones, and spraying fire extinguisher powder. During this process, seven people were caught in flagrante delicto on charges of assaulting police officers (obstruction of official duties), and nine people sustained various injuries, with some being transported to hospitals.

Regarding the demolition issue, the court took the sixth eviction enforcement action on the 15th against Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, which has been in conflict with the redevelopment association. Church members are protesting in the alley leading to the church. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

Jeon Kwang-hoon, the senior pastor of Sarang Jeil Church who visited the scene, stated, "Even if we enter 10 times, 1,000 times, or 10,000 times from now on, we will reclaim the church," and added, "Those who illegally entered today, including some individuals, police, and security representatives, will definitely be punished."

Sarang Jeil Church lost both the first trial and the appeal in the building delivery lawsuit filed by the Jangwi 10 District Housing Redevelopment Maintenance Project Association. The church side filed an objection to the forced mediation proposal presented by the Seoul High Court in the eviction lawsuit filed by the association, and earlier in August, they rejected the court's proposed compensation adjustment of approximately 15 billion KRW.

Located in the heart of Jangwi 10 District in Seongbuk-gu, Sarang Jeil Church has opposed redevelopment due to issues such as compensation. The association, as the real estate rights holder, attempted forced execution three times last year but failed each time due to clashes with believers. The 5th eviction enforcement was also attempted on the 5th but was canceled due to concerns over clashes with enforcement personnel.

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