[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Rep. Lee Nak-yeon, who is running for the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, has called for the revocation of the bail of Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon, the head pastor of Sarang Jeil Church, who attended the Liberation Day rally with church members.
On the 16th, Rep. Lee stated on Facebook, "Pastor Jeon, even after being released on bail, has continuously held rallies attended by thousands of people, undermining the efforts of the quarantine authorities who have worked hard to end COVID-19. He shows no concern for the health of his congregants or social safety," adding, "I hope the police thoroughly identify and strictly punish those engaging in illegal activities. I also urge the prosecution to actively consider applying for the revocation of Pastor Jeon's bail."
Pastor Jeon is currently on trial for allegedly appealing for support for a specific political party at a rally in Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul, ahead of the April 15 general election (violating the Public Official Election Act, among other charges). He was detained in February but was granted bail due to poor health and was released on April 20 after paying a bail of 50 million won, 56 days after his detention.
However, it was confirmed that Pastor Jeon participated in the Liberation Day rally held by conservative groups at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul the day before, bringing members of Sarang Jeil Church. As of midnight on the 16th, 107 of the newly confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Seoul area were related to Sarang Jeil Church.
Rep. Lee pointed out, "The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has exceeded 100 daily for two consecutive days, showing signs of widespread transmission. This three-day Liberation Day holiday is a critical period that will determine whether the pandemic escalates or is contained," adding, "Especially in Seoul and Gyeonggi, the number of confirmed cases has doubled in just one day, spreading rapidly. There is a serious risk that the metropolitan area could lead to a mass outbreak."
He continued, "Despite concerns about such cluster infections, some conservative groups went ahead with the Liberation Day rally yesterday. Sarang Jeil Church, which has produced a large number of confirmed cases, also attended. Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church claimed, 'We have been subjected to virus terrorism.' This is truly an absurd claim," he criticized.
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