Sarangjeil Church to Resume Services from Tomorrow... "All Reporting and Filming Prohibited"

On the 18th, the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) related to Seongbuk-gu Sarang Jeil Church, led by Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon, exceeded 400. The scene of Sarang Jeil Church on that day. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, will resume worship services starting next month on the 1st.

The legal team of Sarang Jeil Church announced via text message on the 31st, "Worship services will resume starting this week," adding, "We are taking thorough quarantine measures, such as allowing entry only to those who have pre-registered for worship."

The church also stated a policy prohibiting entry, reporting, and unauthorized filming by journalists or others who are not church officials.

The legal team of Sarang Jeil Church said, "Disruption of worship is an act punishable by law, and we ask for your understanding to prevent confusion and inconvenience caused by reporting and filming."

Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church and related personnel are suspected of obstructing epidemiological investigations by the quarantine authorities, such as failing to properly submit the list of church members after a COVID-19 cluster infection occurred at the church. During the August 15 Gwanghwamun rally, which was identified as the epicenter of the second wave, a large number of COVID-19 confirmed cases occurred at this church. The police are investigating the church officials for obstruction of quarantine efforts.

Pastor Jeon is currently detained on charges including violation of the Public Official Election Act. He was indicted in March of this year on charges of pre-election campaigning ahead of the 21st general election (violation of the Public Official Election Act) and defamation of President Moon Jae-in. He was detained during the investigation but was released on bail in April. However, he violated bail conditions by participating in various rallies, including the August 15 Liberation Day rally, leading to the cancellation of his bail on the 7th of last month and his re-incarceration at Seoul Detention Center.