Court Recommends Mediation for Shincheonji Daegu Church and Daegu City in Lawsuit Challenging Facility Closure Order

by Kim Yongu

Published 16 Nov.2021 18:28(KST)

Updated 10 Aug.2025 23:27(KST)

The prayer meeting of all members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus for the end of COVID-19.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] Regarding the closure of facilities of the Shincheonji Daegu Church, the court currently reviewing the case has recommended mediation between Daegu City and the church for an amicable resolution.

On the 16th, according to the Shincheonji Church and Daegu District Court, the Daegu District Court's 2nd Administrative Division (Chief Judge Lee Jin-gwan), which is reviewing the lawsuit filed by the plaintiff, Shincheonji Jesus Church Dadaeoh Branch Daegu Church, against the Mayor of Daegu City to confirm the invalidity of the facility closure order, recommended mediation on the 5th for a swift and amicable resolution of the case.

The mediation recommendation was reportedly delivered to both the plaintiff and defendant by the 16th. Acceptance of the court's mediation recommendation must be submitted electronically by the 14th of next month, and if there is any objection without acceptance, the lawsuit will proceed again.

The court recommended mediation stating, "The defendant, Mayor of Daegu City, shall cancel the facility closure order and the assembly ban order ex officio, and regarding the assembly ban order, shall reissue measures following those applied to other churches," and "The plaintiff, Shincheonji Daegu Church, shall immediately withdraw this lawsuit upon the defendant's cancellation of the order, and the defendant agrees to this."

The court added, "In similar lawsuits related to other regions, mediation recommendations with the same intent as the above were issued, and the parties accepted those recommendations, resulting in the conclusion of the lawsuits," and "Considering the government's phased daily recovery plan related to COVID-19 implemented since November 2021, the current domestic vaccination rate against COVID-19, and other circumstances, we recommend this for a swift and amicable resolution of the dispute."

Regarding the mediation recommendation, a representative of Shincheonji Daegu Church said, "Even if the building closure is lifted, we will maintain non-face-to-face worship until COVID-19 stabilizes," and "We hope for a swift overcoming of COVID-19 and the restoration of the public's daily life."