500 Billion Won Compensation for 'Makjang Albakgi' to Sarang Jeil Church... Jangwi 10 District General Assembly Passed

Jangwi 10 District Union Holds Temporary General Meeting, Approves Agreement with Sarang Jeil Church
Endures 'Physical Occupation' Despite Losing Eviction Lawsuit

On November 5th last year, the 5th eviction enforcement was carried out at Sarang Jeil Church, but the church strongly opposed it by using physical force.

[Asia Economy Reporters Kim Hyemin and Hwang Seoyul] Sarang Jeil Church, led by Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon, who ignored the Supreme Court's ruling and resorted to physical resistance, will ultimately receive compensation amounting to 50 billion KRW.

The Seoul Jangwi 10 District Housing Redevelopment Association held an extraordinary general meeting at a hotel in Seongbuk-gu at 3 p.m. on the 6th and approved the payment of 50 billion KRW in compensation demanded by Sarang Jeil Church. According to the association, out of 423 members, 221 voted in favor including those who submitted written resolutions, while 127 opposed. A total of 357 members participated either in person or by written vote.

Sarang Jeil Church, located in the heart of the Jangwi 10 District redevelopment area in Seongbuk-gu, had been in conflict with the association over compensation agreements. The association filed an eviction lawsuit against Sarang Jeil Church and won in all three trials. The association even obtained the authority to forcibly demolish the church if it failed to comply with the eviction order and attempted forced execution six times. However, all attempts failed as Sarang Jeil Church mobilized hundreds of worshippers along with forklifts, fire extinguishers, and Molotov cocktails to create physical disturbances.

As the situation worsened, the association considered proceeding with redevelopment excluding Sarang Jeil Church, but abandoned the plan due to concerns that revising the maintenance plan and restarting the approval process would extend the project period and potentially cause losses amounting to 91 billion KRW.

Since Sarang Jeil Church refused to withdraw without the 50 billion KRW payment, a so-called 'albakgi' (stonewalling) tactic, and legal enforcement proved ineffective, the association eventually negotiated with the church and drafted an agreement accepting most of the church's proposals. Although there were many opposing voices at the general meeting, the majority vote could not be overturned.

According to the agreement, the association must pay Sarang Jeil Church 50 billion KRW in compensation, including construction costs, based on the results of this general meeting. Upon receiving the church building, the association will pay an interim payment of 30 billion KRW and the remaining balance within two months, as stipulated in the agreement.

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