Police Analyze Video of Sarang Jeil Church 'Molotov Cocktail Throwing'... Plan to Summon Related Persons

On the morning of the 26th, when the eviction enforcement began against Sarang Jeil Church in Jangwi-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, which had been in conflict with the redevelopment association over demolition issues, a fire broke out near the church building. According to the police, around 1 a.m. that day, 570 enforcement personnel from the Seoul Northern District Court started a forced eviction of the church facilities, but the worshippers strongly resisted, leading to their withdrawal around 8:30 a.m. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] The police are intensifying their investigation into the incident where the Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, resisted the eviction process by using dangerous materials such as Molotov cocktails.

On the 27th, the dedicated investigation team of the Jongam Police Station in Seoul announced that they are analyzing videos and other materials capturing the forced eviction process from the previous morning.

According to police evidence materials, videos filmed by the Jangwi 10 District Redevelopment Association, and live-streamed YouTube footage, several people were seen throwing Molotov cocktails and other objects to block the entry of enforcement personnel. Some videos also showed a device resembling a type of flamethrower.

The police plan to proceed with on-site investigations at the church and summon related individuals after analyzing the videos.

The third forced eviction of Sarang Jeil Church, which began around 1 a.m. the previous day with about 570 enforcement personnel from the Seoul Northern District Court, was halted around 8:30 a.m. after about 50 worshippers inside the church strongly resisted by throwing Molotov cocktails and spraying flammable substances on themselves. Sarang Jeil Church is opposing the demolition, citing issues with compensation. The redevelopment association, having won the eviction lawsuit, attempted forced evictions twice in June but failed due to clashes with the worshippers.

Meanwhile, the joint legal team of Sarang Jeil Church stated in a press release sent to reporters that day, "Gangster-like security personnel threw roof tiles at the church parking lot and building, damaging church property, and destroyed vehicles parked at the entrance with a backhoe. The violent enforcement was filled with countless illegal acts, including the initial throwing of Molotov cocktails to attempt arson on the church."