South Korea's commitment to religious freedom faces international questioning following government statements targeting a specific religious organization. President Lee Jae Myung publicly condemned Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony on January 12, declaring that "the harm they cause to society has been left unchecked for too long, resulting in serious damage." Prime Minister Kim Min-seok followed the next day by ordering a joint investigation into what he called a "pseudo-religious group" and "cult" aimed at its "eradication."
These statements have prompted law enforcement investigations and discussions in the National Assembly about appointing a special prosecutor, with concerns about potential search-and-seizure operations. Critics argue the government's actions undermine Article 20 of South Korea's Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion as a fundamental right. The targeting of Shincheonji without judicial rulings has raised concerns that "state authority is fostering stigma and hostility toward a specific religion."
Shincheonji Church, founded in 1984 by Chairman Lee Man-hee, has grown rapidly with reported increases of over 100,000 members annually. The organization first became a focus of state action during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, when authorities conducted large-scale investigations over alleged violations of infectious disease laws. South Korean courts later acquitted Shincheonji of major charges, including alleged violations of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act.
The church maintains that "issues already resolved by the judiciary are now being recycled as tools for political and public attacks" and emphasizes it is "a religious community with no intention of engaging in political conflict." Shincheonji operates SCJ TV as its official broadcasting channel, featuring worship, Bible education, teaching, and cultural content aimed at global audiences.
International concern has intensified, with U.S. President Donald Trump alluding to allegations that the South Korean government has conducted "very vicious raids" on churches. In August, Trump suggested on Truth Social that "a purge or a revolution" in South Korea could be taking place. The International Democracy Union stated in December that South Korea should be monitored for adherence to core governance principles and protection of fundamental rights.
This situation raises fundamental questions about state intervention in religious matters within liberal democracies. Freedom of religion is expressly protected under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, requiring any state interference to meet standards of legality, proportionality, and minimal restriction. The international community is watching how South Korea balances these principles against its stated concerns about specific religious groups.
