According to unofficial police estimates, approximately 6,000 people gathered at the nationwide Sunday joint worship service of Sarang Jeil Church, led by Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon, who has been detained on charges of orchestrating violent disturbances, at the Seoul Western District Court.
Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church is attending the detention review hearing held at the Seoul Western District Court on the 15th. Photo by Yonhap News
On January 18, around 6,000 people, according to unofficial police estimates, gathered in front of Donghwa Duty Free Shop in Gwanghwamun for the nationwide Sunday joint worship service of Sarang Jeil Church.
Although Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon, who led the church, was detained on January 13 and the service was held without him, the congregation filled four lanes of Sejong-daero that day.
The police initially considered prohibiting the use of traffic lanes and requiring the service to be held on the sidewalk. However, as a crowd similar in size to the previous week gathered, the service proceeded as planned.
Speakers on stage passionately called for Pastor Jeon's swift release. One pastor prayed, "Lord, please ensure that the pastor's suffering is not in vain." He continued, "Let a miracle occur. Please grant his release on bail for medical reasons as soon as possible," to which the congregation responded with "Amen." Some female congregants were seen tearing up.
At the site, tents with heaters were set up. In connection with the death of a man in his 80s who was found deceased after attending the service on January 4, the police had previously advised the church to hold services indoors or on the sidewalk during the winter.
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