A Pattern of Persecution in South Korea
The recent crackdowns on major churches in South Korea signal an alarming trend under President Lee Jae-myung’s administration. In just a few months, the government has initiated unprecedented raids targeting some of the most prominent Christian leaders and congregations in the country. This wave of attacks is alarming not only for its extensive nature but also for its evident political motivations aimed at suppressing dissent.
Among the churches facing government actions are Yeouido Full Gospel Church, SaRang Jeil Church, Segyero Church, and Unjeong Chamjon Church. These institutions have been pivotal in advocating for freedom and standing up against the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol and former First Lady Kim Keon-hee. Since the controversial impeachment vote passed in December 2024, these churches have spearheaded nationwide protests advocating for Yoon’s reinstatement and release, channeling the public’s voice against Lee’s administration.
Specific Incidents of Crackdown
The raids began with the SaRang Jeil Church, where police targeted Rev. Jeon Kwang-hoon on August 5, citing his alleged involvement in a riot. However, Rev. Jeon clarified, “I am an emeritus pastor, not even in a position to give such orders,” emphasizing the lack of any real evidence for the claims against him. Critics argue that this action aimed to penalize a pastor whose church has been central to the anti-impeachment demonstrations, highlighting a troubling trend of using law enforcement as a tool for political punishment.
Next, the Segyero Church faced a similar situation when police raided Rev. Son Hyun-bo’s office on May 12. The authorities accused him of election law violations, but Son simply hosted a candidate for a discussion, which his supporters argue is a normal part of civic engagement. Over 1,200 Christian and civic organizations rallied in protest, deeming the raid “unprecedented religious persecution.” They insisted that Son never directed congregants on whom to vote, merely promoting active participation in the democratic process. This incident serves as another instance of the state overreaching its authority regarding standard pastoral duties.
On May 26, the Unjeong Chamjon Church also fell victim to the crackdown when police intruded during worship services. Church leaders expressed grave concerns, stating, “This is not mere procedure—it destroys the sanctity of the church itself.” Such actions not only disrespected sacred spaces but set a terrifying precedent where the sanctity of worship could be violated by government personnel.
Yeouido Full Gospel Church, regarded as the world’s largest Pentecostal congregation, was raided on July 18. Rev. Lee Young-hoon stated, “I never even received a prayer request related to the case. There was no lobbying, no words exchanged with officials,” indicating that the allegations brought against him were entirely unfounded. This incident sends a chilling message to the church community: no congregation is safe from governmental intervention.
The same day, authorities simultaneously targeted Far East Broadcasting, led by Rev. Kim Jang-hwan. The opposition party in South Korea decried this assault, stating, “Raiding revered senior pastors on flimsy grounds is an abuse of power and a violation of constitutional religious freedom.” This particular raid highlights how governmental actions have transformed from legitimate law enforcement to blatant political maneuvers aimed at stifling dissenting voices.
Unifying Patterns of Religious Suppression
A key thread links these incidents: each targeted church has actively supported the anti-impeachment movement and has been vocal against the current administration. These raids disrupt constitutionally protected worship spaces, painting the actions of pastors and their congregations as criminal. By branding these church leaders as criminals, the government undermines church-led protests and seeks to dismantle organized resistance against its regime.
South Korea’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and maintains a boundary between church and state. Yet in 2025, the nation witnesses raids and intrusions that are reminiscent of oppressive regimes from the past, with police entering sanctuaries during worship and seizing private devices from pastors. Such actions betray the principles of the rule of law and illustrate the troubling use of legal authority to target specific religious communities.
Global Implications and a Cautionary Tale
The implications of these events stretch beyond South Korea, threatening international values that uphold religious freedom as paramount. If South Korea forsakes its commitment to these freedoms, the ramifications could resonate globally. As a key ally to the United States, South Korea’s actions reflect on the overall strength of the alliance, especially as it grapples with the encroachment of authoritarian influences.
This occurrence isn’t an isolated phenomenon; it is part of a disturbing global trend where leftist movements and powerful entities weaponize law to suppress religious expression. A deeper look shows that many countries experience similar governmental overreach, where laws are used not to maintain order but to silence dissent.
Warnings about this suppression do not just resonate in a South Korean context. Throughout history, attacks on religious liberties have preceded larger autocratic movements. The battle for freedom of faith, speech, and the opposition to socialism will always be pertinent, as demonstrated in the bold stances taken by faith leaders resisting injustice in the face of oppression.
Conclusion
These coordinated raids demonstrate that the government fears the power of its citizens, particularly the church, which remains a bulwark of organized resistance against arbitrary governance. Korean Christians, through their faith and action, stand resolute against unjust political maneuvers and continue to demand accountability from their leaders. The global community must recognize and respond to these threats to religious freedom, for the stakes are high and the lessons are consequential. If religious freedoms in South Korea erode further, it may signify a broader decline in liberties much cherished across the world.
"*" indicates required fields
