Police Investigate Sarang Jeil Church Officials for 'Molotov Cocktail Throwing'...Special Task Force Formed

The third eviction enforcement at Seongbuk-gu Sarang Jeil Church was halted after about 7 hours. According to the police on the 26th, approximately 570 enforcement personnel from the Seoul Northern District Court attempted to carry out a forced eviction of the church facilities starting around 1 a.m., but withdrew around 8:30 a.m. due to resistance from the congregation. The photo shows Sarang Jeil Church on that day. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] The police have launched an investigation into the members of Sarang Jeil Church who threw Molotov cocktails and other objects while obstructing the court-ordered eviction.

On the 26th, the Jongam Police Station in Seoul announced that it had formed a special investigation team of 18 officers, led by the head of the criminal division, to investigate illegal acts that occurred during the eviction process of Sarang Jeil Church.

The police plan to identify the involved individuals through on-site evidence and CCTV footage to determine their participation in illegal activities. Although no exact identities have been confirmed or suspects formally charged yet, the police believe that most participants are affiliated with Sarang Jeil Church. The police are considering applying charges such as obstruction of official duties and violations of the Act on Punishment of Molotov Cocktail Use (Molotov Cocktail Punishment Act) against those involved in illegal acts.

On the 26th, at around 1:20 a.m., the Seoul Northern District Court dispatched approximately 570 enforcement officers to Sarang Jeil Church to carry out forced eviction of the church facilities. However, due to strong resistance from church members who threw Molotov cocktails and doused themselves with flammable substances, the enforcement was temporarily suspended and the officers withdrew at around 8:30 a.m., after about seven hours.

Several people were injured during this process. According to fire authorities, a total of 10 people, including enforcement officers and church members present at the scene, were injured during the clashes, with five transported to hospitals. Vehicles were set on fire or damaged as church members threw Molotov cocktails. The police deployed about 300 officers from five companies at the scene, while the fire department dispatched 12 pieces of equipment, including ambulances and tank trucks, along with about 40 personnel.

Sarang Jeil Church lost the first trial of the eviction lawsuit filed by the Jangwi 10 District Redevelopment Association in May. With forced eviction now possible, the association attempted eviction twice in June, but both attempts failed due to opposition from the church members.