South Korean Pastor Imprisoned for Speaking Out Against Government: Religious Freedom at Risk?
BUSAN, South Korea – Pastor Hyun-bo Son of Segero Church has become a focal point in a growing debate over religious freedom in South Korea, following a conviction for violating election law and a subsequent five-month prison sentence. While released on probation in September, the case – the first of its kind in 78 years – has ignited concerns among religious leaders and rights advocates about increasing government interference in church affairs.
CBN News recently visited Pastor Son at Segero Church, observing a service that appeared to resume its normal rhythm after his release. He greeted congregants and led prayers before the worship service began. A notable feature of the service was a question-and-answer session with children, focusing on the principle of separation of church and state.
The controversy stems from Pastor Son’s decision to interview a candidate for school superintendent who advocated for biblical principles. This candidate was running against a government-backed contender who supported the inclusion of LGBTQ policies in the school curriculum, according to Pastor Son. He was subsequently indicted for violating election law, a charge he maintains was politically motivated.
Pastor Son alleges a broader pattern of suppression of religious freedom under the current left-leaning government. He cited a proposed amendment to the civil code, introduced in January, that would grant the government the authority to disband churches and revoke permits based on religious speech deemed politically motivated. The amendment would also allow for investigations and asset seizures without warrants, he claims.
“When the left-wing government came into power, freedom of religion is being suppressed,” Pastor Son explained. “There is an amendment to the civil code that has been proposed in January, that states: If We find religious speech or beliefs related to politics, the government will be granted the power to disband, dissolve the church, and revoke the permit of the church. Investigations and inspections can be conducted without a warrant. And assets and properties of the church can be transferred to the government.”
Congressman Lee Jong-Wook of Busan echoed these concerns, describing the situation as potential religious persecution. “This can be considered as religious persecution,” he stated. “I believe the church is a place of conscience and of our faith, and so there is no reason for the government to interfere with what the church can say and not, and so these rights have to be protected.”
The arrest galvanized many church leaders, who have since rallied against what they perceive as government overreach. They argue that the government’s actions threaten the right to freely practice and express their faith without fear of reprisal. Pastor Son encouraged fellow church leaders to remain steadfast, even in the face of potential imprisonment.
During his incarceration, Pastor Son reported evangelizing to 85 inmates, transforming the prison environment into what he described as a “sanctuary.” He also completed a book manuscript in just three days. He shared a letter received from an inmate expressing disappointment at his release, highlighting the impact of his ministry within the prison walls.
Pastor Son’s case also garnered attention in the United States. His sons were invited to the White House just days before his sentencing, where they briefed State Department officials on the situation. According to Chance Son, his father’s case was subsequently raised during a meeting between the Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea and Vice President Vance – the first such meeting in 41 years. Representatives from the U.S. Consulate in South Korea also attended the hearing, potentially influencing the judge’s decision.
When asked why he avoided looking at his family during the hearings, Pastor Son explained that witnessing their distress would have weakened his resolve. “Of course I miss my family, especially my grandchildren, but if I looked back and saw my grandchildren and my family, they would have weakened my heart. The point right now is to sacrifice and fight,” he said.
Pastor Son expressed his hope for continued solidarity among Christians globally, urging them to defend religious freedom and shed light on the situation in South Korea. “The Republic of Korea is a free nation…But with a new left-leaning government, there are concerns that our children may be influenced by ideologies that contradict Biblical values and that can spread around the world. And so I pray that Christians in Korea, the United States, and around the world will stand together and fight for freedom…and continue shedding light on these issues through outlets like CBN.”