Criticism of the South Korean government is rising after senior officials publicly stigmatized a specific religious group, with an order calling for investigation and 'eradication' resulting in allegations of religious persecution. Global leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump have expressed concern that such actions may undermine fundamental principles of democracy, particularly freedom of religion and the separation of church and state. Many observers point to a sharp contrast between South Korea's image as a cultural powerhouse and a growing perception that the nation exhibits signs of democratic regression.
On January 12, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung publicly condemned Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, declaring that 'the harm they cause to society has been left unchecked for too long, resulting in serious damage.' The following day, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok echoed the president's remarks during a cabinet meeting, ordering a joint investigation into what he called a 'pseudo-religious group' and 'cult' aimed at its 'eradication.' Following these statements, a joint team of law enforcement agencies was assembled and investigations are underway, with ongoing discussions in the National Assembly regarding the appointment of a special prosecutor prompting concerns about additional compulsory measures including search-and-seizure operations.
Article 20 of the Constitution of South Korea guarantees freedom of religion as a fundamental right, yet statements made by President Lee targeting Shincheonji as responsible for social harm without any judicial ruling have prompted concerns that 'state authority is fostering stigma and hostility toward a specific religion.' Critics assert that the President's remarks seem to undermine constitutional and democratic principles, with President Lee Jae Myung's election following the impeachment of South Korea's former president after an unconstitutional declaration of martial law. Shincheonji Church of Jesus, founded in 1984 by Chairman Lee Man-hee, is a rapidly growing Christian organization reporting increases of over 100,000 members a year, with some analysts suggesting the group's expansion and visibility may have contributed to heightened political and social scrutiny.
The organization first became a major focus of state action during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 when authorities conducted large-scale investigations over alleged violations of infectious disease laws, with Shincheonji reporting more than ten search-and-seizure operations targeting its headquarters and branch churches. President Lee Jae Myung, who was governor of Gyeonggi Province at the time, adopted a hardline stance by personally leading a forced entry into Shincheonji's headquarters. South Korean courts later acquitted Shincheonji of major charges including alleged violations of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, prompting the church to state that 'although numerous complaints and accusations have been filed against us, courts have consistently dropped charges or ruled 'not guilty,'' adding that 'issues already resolved by the judiciary are now being recycled as tools for political and public attacks.' The church emphasized it is 'a religious community with no intention of engaging in political conflict' and urged authorities to 'stop using a specific religion as a scapegoat while speaking of national unity.'
International concern has grown since U.S. President Donald Trump alluded to allegations that the South Korean government has conducted 'very vicious raids' on churches and entered U.S. military bases to gather information, with his August post on Truth Social indicating that 'a purge or a revolution' in South Korea could be taking place. Observers note it is highly unusual for the leader of an allied nation to publicly express concern over another country's internal law enforcement practices. In December, the International Democracy Union stated that South Korea should be monitored for adherence to core governance principles and protection of fundamental rights, with resolutions of this nature directed at South Korea being rare especially on issues related to governance and the rule of law. Freedom of religion is expressly protected under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and any interference by the state must meet standards of legality, proportionality, and minimal restriction.
This case poses a fundamental question for liberal democracies regarding the extent to which the state can intervene in religious matters and fundamental civil rights, with international attention turning to the future of South Korea's democracy as it bears the weight of this question. As a global media platform featuring worship, Bible education, teaching, and cultural content, SCJ TV aims to make Shincheonji's Bible-based teachings accessible to audiences worldwide, transcending geographical and linguistic boundaries while the organization faces ongoing scrutiny.
