Religious Group Holds Assembly for 3 Weeks in Front of Seocho-gu Male-Only Sleeping Room... Business Opposes

Religious Group Claims "Homosexual Group Orgy"
Business Files Injunction for 'False Information'
Nearby Self-Employed Workers Complain of Protest Damage

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] A religious group has been holding rallies in front of a male-only sleeping room business for three weeks, citing concerns over the mass spread of COVID-19. The business side is opposing this, claiming their assertions are false and has filed a preliminary injunction for obstruction of business with the court, deepening the conflict.

According to Asia Economy's coverage on the 15th, the religious group Rainbow Returns has been holding rallies for about an hour every Friday at 8 p.m. in front of the male-only sleeping room located in Seocho-gu, Seoul, since the 28th of last month. Yeom An-seop, head of Rainbow Returns, stated, "Because group homosexual orgies are taking place inside the business, there is a high risk of a massive COVID-19 outbreak, so we are holding prayer meetings for the public good," adding, "It is to make the world a better place." They set up large placards and conduct prayer meetings while singing hymns using instruments such as violins. Eight members attended the rally on the 11th, and the event was streamed live on their YouTube channel.

The business side refutes this as "absurd claims." In an "Appeal to Residents," the business stated, "The claim that COVID-19 spreads through homosexuality is a falsehood without medical or scientific basis." They added, "So far, there has not been a single confirmed COVID-19 case, nor has anyone infected visited. We strictly observe temperature checks, QR code check-ins, mask distribution, and social distancing between customers," and said, "We have voluntarily closed the business four times to prevent the spread of COVID-19." Regarding the religious group's rallies, the business has filed a preliminary injunction with the Seoul Central District Court to prohibit obstruction of business, defamation, and access, and has also filed a complaint with the police on charges of obstruction of business and defamation.

Nearby residents and self-employed business owners are expressing distress. Choi (41), who runs a pub, said, "During peak hours, customers often leave because of the noise from the rallies," adding, "Self-employed people are already struggling, but sales drop about 30% every Friday because of the rallies." Jeong (35), who runs an academy, said, "The noise from the rallies makes it impossible to conduct classes properly, causing significant damage," and added, "This is a street with both commercial and residential areas, so I don't understand why the police allow the noise." Some residents suggested, "Shouldn't the rallies be held on main roads rather than alleyways?" The business side also filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission, stating, "The police not only neglected to prevent hateful attacks but actively condoned them."

A police official said, "The freedom of assembly and demonstration is constitutionally guaranteed and broadly recognized," adding, "To minimize damage, we manage noise and other issues, and due to COVID-19, we have prevented gatherings of nine or more people, requiring others to keep distance."