[On-site Video] "Hey! Stop Filming!", "Pull Them Out!" Chaos at Sarang Jeil Church Forced Eviction Site

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, PD Yoon Jin-geun, Intern PD Lim Hye-won] "Hey! Stop filming!" , "Pull them out!" , "What is this!"

The court launched the sixth forced execution on the facilities of Sarang Jeil Church (Senior Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon) located in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, the day before (15th). However, the forced execution was thwarted again as the church members strongly resisted.

During the process, one of the believers climbed up a utility pole and fiercely resisted by urging the suspension of the execution, saying, "If you do not stop the execution, I will jump."

The court has initiated the sixth eviction enforcement against Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, which has been in conflict with the redevelopment association over demolition issues. On the 15th, church members confronted the enforcement personnel from utility poles and the rooftop. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

The scene visited by reporters that day was literally chaotic. The court's sixth execution, following five previous failed attempts, began suddenly at 3:20 a.m. Police blocked the believers' access at the entrance road to the church, leading to intense confrontation.

Senior Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon appeared at the scene and encouraged the congregation, saying, "Even if we enter a hundred, a thousand, or ten thousand times, we will reclaim it, and those who illegally entered today will definitely be punished."

Regarding the demolition issue, the court took the sixth eviction action on the 15th against Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, which has been in conflict with the redevelopment association. A church member, confronting the enforcement personnel on the roof, is urinating.
Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

Some church members climbed utility poles and rooftops, and one member resisted the forced execution intensely by urinating on the church roof. Fire extinguishers used during the clashes were scattered around the church. A total of 13 people, including church members, were injured during the confrontation, and seven people who assaulted the police were arrested on charges of obstructing official duties.

Meanwhile, Pastor Jeon held a press conference on the morning of the 16th, demanding an apology from the local redevelopment association head and the Mayor of Seoul regarding the forced execution attempt that occurred the day before (15th).

The court took the sixth eviction action on the 15th against Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, which has been in conflict with the redevelopment association over demolition issues. Church members are protesting in the alley leading to the church. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

At the press conference, Pastor Jeon said, "I was called to be a pastor at a young age and devoted my life to ministry. At the earnest request of senior church leaders, I also engaged in patriotic movements," adding, "Then, when I issued a declaration demanding President Moon Jae-in's resignation, all the fights began."

He continued, "Then they tried to kill me by sending me to prison, and when that didn't work, now they are trying to eliminate the church itself," adding, "That is a misconception. Even if the church disappears, I will not disappear."