Police Form 'Jeon Gwang-hoon Task Force' to Investigate West District Court Riot Incitement

The police investigating the violent mob riot case at the Seoul Western District Court have formed a dedicated team to investigate Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church, who is accused of inciting and propagandizing rebellion.

The Security Investigation Division of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced on the 24th that they have consolidated several complaints alleging that Pastor Jeon incited attendees at the rally to provoke the violent riot at the Western District Court, and a dedicated team will handle the investigation.

On the morning of the 19th, Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church is speaking at the nationwide Sunday joint worship in Gwanghwamun on Sejong-daero near Donghwa Duty Free Shop in Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

The police plan to verify what role Pastor Jeon played in the violent riot at the Western District Court and whether he provoked the disturbance.

They recently conducted an investigation of the complainants and will analyze all of Pastor Jeon's statements before summoning him for a suspect interrogation.

Additionally, the police have received complaints accusing far-right YouTubers of inciting rebellion and have begun investigations.

Pastor Jeon, who attended the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump and returned on the same day, held a press conference at Incheon International Airport.

When asked whether he gave instructions to Mr. Lee, known as a 'special evangelist' of Sarang Jeil Church during the violent riot at the Western District Court, he replied, "I resigned from my church duties after being previously detained, so I am not aware of the church administration. I understand that he was not appointed as an evangelist in our church, and I plan to go to the church now to confirm this."

Mr. Lee, who broke into the judge's office during the riot, was arrested the previous day on charges of trespassing in a shared residence under the Act on Punishment of Violent Crimes.