Prosecutors Indict 14 Including Sarang Jeil Church Officials for 'Forcing Worship'

On the 20th, as the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) continues, the scene of Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] Officials of Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, who defied the assembly ban order to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and forced on-site worship services, have been brought to trial.

The Criminal Division 3 of the Seoul Northern District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Lee Jeong-ryeol) announced on the 23rd that 14 related persons, including Sarang Jeil Church believers who forced on-site worship services four times from March 29 to April 19 this year, were indicted without detention on charges of violating the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act.

Among them was former Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Moon-soo. He is accused of participating in on-site worship services three times on March 29, April 5, and April 12. The prosecution also indicted six religious organization workers and one lawyer without detention. Summary orders were requested for six believers and others.

Additionally, the prosecution indicted 18 people without detention on charges of violating the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act for breaking self-quarantine measures imposed by health authorities despite being classified as confirmed COVID-19 cases, contacts, or having returned from overseas. Twelve others, including owners of entertainment bars and karaoke bars who violated assembly ban orders and operated businesses, as well as door-to-door salespersons, were also brought to trial without detention.

The prosecution stated, "We will continue to respond strictly to offenders who violate self-quarantine and assembly ban measures related to COVID-19 infection prevention imposed by quarantine authorities."