Kim Yong-min, chairman of the nonprofit organization Peace Tree, held a press conference on the morning of the 23rd in front of Jongam Police Station in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, to file a complaint against Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church, who insisted on holding in-person worship services despite the level 4 social distancing measures. [Photo by Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] The Protestant organization, the nonprofit corporation Peace Tree, has filed an additional police complaint against Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon for violating government quarantine rules by forcibly holding in-person worship services.
On the 30th, Peace Tree held a press conference in front of the Jongam Police Station in Seoul and stated, "We are filing an additional complaint against Mr. Jeon, the main culprit who deliberately obstructed the government's quarantine measures, for violating the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act."
They added, "Even on the 25th, during the implementation of social distancing level 4, Mr. Jeon defined the government’s quarantine guidelines as a 'spiritual battle' and forcibly held worship services. Officials from Seoul City and Seongbuk-gu attempted to enter the church to verify the situation, but the church blocked even this."
Furthermore, "On the 18th, Mr. Jeon forcibly held worship services attended by about 150 congregants. He also incited his supporters by stating that he would hold worship services in Gwanghwamun on the upcoming Sunday, thereby amplifying public anxiety," they added.
Previously, on the 23rd, Peace Tree had already reported Pastor Jeon to the police for holding in-person worship services.
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