Jeon Gwang-hoon challenges Kim Min-seok, who criticized the Gwanghwamun rally, saying "Let's have a direct debate anytime, anywhere"

Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church voluntarily held a press conference to repeatedly deny charges such as incitement of rebellion. Pastor Jeon appeared at the conference in his capacity as the National Revolutionary Leader of the Korea Straightening National Movement Headquarters (Daegukbon). He is suspected of inciting riots by President Yoon Suk-yeol's ardent supporters during the violent disturbance at the Seoul Western District Court on January 19.

Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church (Daegukbon National Revolution Headquarters) holding a press conference on February 5. Photo by Daegukbon

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At the press conference held on the 5th at the Liberty Unification Party headquarters in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Pastor Jeon stated, “During years of patriotic movements, we have never once caused violence or incidents,” and claimed, “We achieved regime change through normal non-violent methods and accomplished regime change through seven years of patriotic activism.” He added, “The mere gathering of ten million patriotic citizens in Gwanghwamun itself triggers the people's right to resist,” distancing himself from violence.

Pastor Jeon specifically addressed two special evangelists suspected of belonging to Sarang Jeil Church, saying, “(After returning from President Trump's inauguration) I said at the airport press conference that I would check if those individuals were evangelists, and after verification, they were merely people attending our church to be patriotic.” He mentioned that since he resigned as the chairman of the church council, he is not well informed about administrative matters and said, “I only occasionally greet them when attending church; do you think I have the rank to converse with such people?”

Additionally, Pastor Jeon warned, “Some media outlets are trying to link me with Lee Seok-ki. I will sue such media and demand they correct their statements before that.” It is known that the police are analyzing materials from the only Supreme Court precedent on incitement of rebellion, the case of former Unified Progressive Party lawmaker Lee Seok-ki. Earlier, Daegukbon also stated in a position paper on the 2nd, “Since there is no content to fit, they should reconsider bringing up Lee Seok-ki’s name.”

Furthermore, Pastor Jeon recently proposed a public debate to Kim Min-seok, a Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party of Korea, who described the recent Gwanghwamun National Rally as “madness” and “special threats,” saying, “Let’s have a one-on-one debate anytime, anywhere.”

Shin Hye-sik, CEO of the YouTube channel 'Shinui Hansu,' who attended the conference, also blamed the police and YouTubers for the responsibility of the Western District Court incident. Shin claimed, “From the day before the incident, I raised concerns with the police that the unreported rally in front of the Western District Court was becoming more violent,” and added, “I even suspect the police might have set a trap for investigation.”

Shin also revealed plans to report two YouTubers, including 'Park Gwang-bae,' the operator of the DC Inside 'People Power Party Emergency Committee Gallery,' to the police for violating the Assembly and Demonstration Act. He said they led the unreported rally in front of the Western District Court while inciting, “The police committed murder. We must show actions, not peaceful rallies.”

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