The police have completed a compulsory investigation into Pastor Jun Kwanghoon and Sarang Jeil Church, who are suspected of being involved in the violent incident at the Seoul Western District Court that occurred in January this year, after 12 hours.
On August 5, at around 6:30 p.m., the Security Investigation Division of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced, "In connection with the riot at the Western District Court, we have conducted and completed a search and seizure at Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, as well as at the residences of Pastor Jun Kwanghoon, Shin Hyesik (CEO of Shinhuihansu), and five others, on charges including instigating unlawful entry into a special building."
On this day, the police carried out search and seizure operations targeting Pastor Jun Kwanghoon, Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, and a studio near the church where Pastor Jun's YouTube content is produced, on charges including instigating unlawful entry into a special building.
Pastor Jun is suspected of being behind the violent disturbance at the Western District Court. Previously, the Security Investigation Division received several complaints alleging that Pastor Jun incited rally participants, which led to the violent disturbance at the Western District Court, and formed a dedicated team to begin an investigation.
As news of the search and seizure spread, more than 100 people, including church officials and members, gathered in front of Sarang Jeil Church. They held pickets reading "Stop the oppression of the church" and protested to the police, saying, "What could possibly remain in a sanctuary under construction?" During the search and seizure, the police blocked both the main and rear entrances of the church.
On this day, Sarang Jeil Church issued a statement saying, "It is absurd that after more than six months without any investigation, there is suddenly a search and seizure," and added, "Sarang Jeil Church has nothing to do with the Western District Court incident, and we will take legal action against all attempts to involve the church in a forced narrative using state authority."
The police have continued their investigation by analyzing Pastor Jun's remarks at rallies and questioning those involved in the Western District Court disturbance, including 'special evangelists.' Pastor Jun had argued at rallies prior to the Western District Court incident that the 'right of national resistance' should be exercised, which has been criticized as incitement to violence.
In the early morning of January 19, immediately after the Seoul Western District Court issued an arrest warrant for former President Yoon Sukyeol at the request of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), dozens of people stormed the court building, broke into offices, damaged property, searched the premises, and attempted arson. They have been brought to trial on charges of committing illegal acts of violence.
Yoon (56) and Lee (48), both special evangelists from Sarang Jeil Church, who were indicted and detained on charges of unlawful entry into the court during the Western District Court incident, were recently sentenced to three years and six months, and three years in prison, respectively, in the first trial.
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