Sunday Worship of Sarang Jeil Church Held in Gwanghwamun Without Detained Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon

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.

On January 18, about 6,000 people gathered, according to unofficial police estimates, at the nationwide Sunday joint worship service of Sarang Jeil Church held in front of the Donghwa Duty Free Shop in Gwanghwamun.

Although Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon, who had led the church, was detained on January 13, resulting in a service without him, congregants filled four lanes of Sejong-daero that day.

The police initially considered prohibiting the use of the roadway and allowing worship only on the sidewalk. However, as a crowd similar in size to the previous week gathered, the service proceeded as planned.

Speakers who took the stage fervently called for Pastor Jeon's prompt release. One pastor said, "Lord, please help so that the pastor's suffering is not in vain." He then shouted, "Let a miracle happen. 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 in tears.

Tents with heaters were also set up at the site. 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.