Religious Freedom Under Threat in South Korea

By-Ali Khalil 

Recent developments in South Korea raise serious concerns that go beyond a single religious

community or national context. As a democratic country with increasing global influence,

South Korea’s approach to constitutional rights has wider international implications,

including for the United Kingdom. When a government publicly targets a religious group and

assumes the authority to judge the legitimacy of beliefs, it risks undermining the rule of law

and setting a troubling precedent, particularly in light of Article 18 of the Universal

Declaration of Human Rights, which protects freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.

For the UK, where religious freedom is a foundational democratic value, this situation merits

close attention. Freedom of religion is a fundamental human right, not a privilege granted by

the state, and is essential to human dignity and peaceful coexistence. People of all

backgrounds share a collective responsibility to oppose actions that erode religious freedom

or weaken constitutional order.

Below is a statement from members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus expressing these

concerns.

The government has explicitly targeted a specific religious group, categorically labelling it a

“social harm” and a “detriment”, while mobilising state power in a retaliatory manner. Such

actions constitute a serious violation of Article 20 of the Constitution of the Republic of

Korea, which guarantees freedom of religion and the principle of the separation of religion

and state. Shincheonji Church of Jesus expresses profound concern over this unilateral

interference by state authority and strongly urges the administration to uphold the principles

of fair, restrained, and constitutional governance.

On the 12th January, President Lee Jae-myung stated during a meeting with religious leaders

that “societal harm [caused by a specific religion] has been neglected for too long, resulting

in significant damage”. This was followed on 13 January by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok,

who, during a Cabinet meeting, used terms such as “cult” and “heresy” while ordering a joint

investigation and so-called “eradication” measures.

These statements effectively reach a conclusion before any formal investigation has begun.

Such rhetoric from the head of the executive branch pre-emptively brands a specific religious

group as a “socially problematic entity”, raising concerns that due process and the integrity of

the investigative process may be compromised.

While a government-mandated joint investigation is reportedly under way, the administration

appears to be dismantling constitutional boundaries by treating the group as a “cult” and

“harmful” as a foregone conclusion. By what authority does a secular government define and

judge religious doctrine? On what legal basis does the highest level of executive power issue

“investigative guidelines” that risk undermining the independence of the judiciary?

The criteria for “orthodoxy” or “heresy” must never be determined by political proximity or

secular interests; they must be addressed within the realm of theology and faith, not by the

state.

History offers a sobering reminder. Two thousand years ago, Jesus Christ was branded a

“heretic” and persecuted by the religious establishment of His time. Yet history has

recognised Him as the cornerstone of the Christian faith. In the present day, is it justifiable to

label a religious body “heretical” based on the size of its congregation or the assertions of

rival pastors, rather than an objective examination of biblical teaching?

With due regard for this issue, Shincheonji Church of Jesus has repeatedly proposed a

transparent and peaceful solution: that theological disputes be addressed through an open and

public examination of the Bible, grounded in Scripture rather than emotion or political

pressure. To date, no fair or substantive response has been offered.

Shincheonji Church of Jesus has never claimed infallibility. If genuine doctrinal or social

errors exist, we ask that they be identified clearly and specifically. We are committed to

addressing and correcting any verified shortcomings and have consistently maintained this

position. Guided by biblical teachings, our members strive to live as upright believers

respected within their communities. From voluntary service during national disasters to

leading record-breaking blood donation campaigns during times of shortage, we have sought

to contribute positively to society. Despite this, the government continues to rely on abstract

labels such as “harmful” without presenting a single verified instance of concrete damage.

Furthermore, despite numerous past allegations, judicial proceedings have repeatedly resulted

in acquittals or findings of no suspicion. Reintroducing matters already settled by the courts

as material for political or media attacks inevitably leads the public to question whether such

actions reflect the values of the Republic of Korea, or represent a departure from the

standards of a democratic state governed by the rule of law.

The President and the political establishment must move away from the politics of

scapegoating and towards a politics of unity that serves all the people they represent.

Attempts to deflect political risk by targeting religious communities, or to weaponise

majority opinion to suppress a minority faith, serve neither national development nor

democratic principles. The state has a duty to ensure that no citizen is ostracised or

discriminated against on the basis of religious belief.

If one religion is targeted today, any marginalised group may be targeted tomorrow.

Shincheonji Church of Jesus will stand firm in truth and faith within the framework of law

and order, and will not be silenced in exercising its constitutional right to freedom of religion.

We call upon the government to cease emotive labelling, to base its actions on facts and law,

and to return to its fundamental responsibility of serving all citizens equally.

The members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus have always acted sincerely as citizens of the

Republic of Korea. They have demonstrated this through cooperation with public authorities,

extensive voluntary service, and blood donations that have saved lives. As people of faith

who believe in God and Jesus Christ, and as citizens of this nation, church members will

continue to live responsibly and faithfully, as they always have.