‘Friends of the Marginalized’ ... People More Like Family Than Family at ‘Busan Segyero Church’

Hearing Begins for Injunction Request to Suspend Enforcement of Closure Order for Segyero Church

Busan Segyero Church, practicing a life of giving and sharing with a consistent heart to become good neighbors under the catchphrase "People Who Inspire as Good Neighbors." Photo by Joo Cheol-in lx906@

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Ju Cheol-in] "They are friends to the poor, marginalized neighbors, and the socially vulnerable." "They are people more like family than family." This is how local residents described Busan Segyero Church.

Local residents looked on with sympathy as Busan Segyero Church, where about 1,000 believers worship, was ordered to close its facilities.

Resident A, who identified as a Buddhist, said, "Segyero Church is truly a good neighbor. They have provided over 1,000 free eye surgeries and free rice support annually, offered airfare for hometown visits to multicultural families, free family photo shoots, and buffet meals free of charge when young people get married."

Senior Pastor Son Hyun-bo has carried the catchphrase "People who move hearts as good neighbors" and has practiced a life of giving and sharing with a consistent heart to become a good neighbor.

Pastor Son graduated from Kosin University’s Department of Theology and Korea Theological Seminary (M.Div). He served as a missionary pastor caring for leprosy patients at a church in Haman before being appointed to Segyero Church.

Within about ten years after his appointment, the church experienced remarkable growth, increasing a hundredfold.

Pastor B, residing in Changwon, Gyeongnam, emphasized that the secret to Segyero Church’s revival lies in Pastor Son’s purity, honesty, and his love and service for neighbors more than himself.

Pastor C from a church in Seoul said, "Pastor Son Hyun-bo has never accepted any fees or travel expenses while leading worship services for members’ celebrations and condolences, as well as gatherings and seminars at other churches since his calling as a pastor. The ministers at Segyero Church follow this example and are devoted to serving the community."

Currently, at Busan District Court Room 306, a hearing is underway regarding the provisional injunction filed by the church against the local government.

The church side argued, "We have strictly followed quarantine guidelines such as temperature checks before entry, sitting with distancing, and wearing masks. Above all, no confirmed cases have emerged, yet the church was closed, which is unfair and infringes on freedom of religion."

They added, "The Korean church’s worship style is face-to-face worship. Since infection prevention rules are being well observed, please allow us to continue worship."

In response, legal representatives of Busan City and Gangseo District Office stated, "The core of this case is to protect the lives of the people and public welfare. The church must cooperate with quarantine measures to maintain social safety."

Meanwhile, the Suwon District Court Criminal Division 11 (Presiding Judge Kim Mi-kyung) on the 13th acquitted Lee Man-hee, the chairman of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (Shincheonji), who was indicted for obstructing quarantine activities and violating the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, drawing attention to the outcome.