The South Korean government faces mounting international scrutiny following public statements by senior officials targeting Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, with orders for investigation and eradication. On January 12, President Lee Jae Myung condemned the religious group, declaring that its societal harm had been left unchecked too long. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok echoed these remarks the following day during a cabinet meeting, ordering a joint investigation into what he called a pseudo-religious group and cult aimed at its eradication.
These statements have prompted immediate action, with law enforcement agencies assembling a joint team to conduct investigations. Discussions in the National Assembly regarding appointing a special prosecutor have raised concerns about additional compulsory measures, including potential search-and-seizure operations. The situation presents a direct challenge to Article 20 of South Korea's Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion as a fundamental right. Critics argue that President Lee's statements, made without judicial ruling, foster state-sponsored stigma and hostility toward a specific religion, potentially undermining constitutional and democratic principles.
Shincheonji Church, founded in 1984 by Chairman Lee Man-hee, has reported rapid growth with increases exceeding 100,000 members annually. The organization first became a focus of state action during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, when authorities conducted large-scale investigations over alleged violations of infectious disease laws. Shincheonji reported more than ten search-and-seizure operations targeting its headquarters and branch churches during that period. President Lee Jae Myung, then governor of Gyeonggi Province, personally led a forced entry into Shincheonji's headquarters.
South Korean courts later acquitted Shincheonji of major charges, including alleged violations of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act. The church has responded to current developments by stating that repeatedly targeted investigations amount to religious discrimination, noting that courts have consistently dropped charges or ruled not guilty in previous cases. Shincheonji maintains it is a religious community with no intention of engaging in political conflict and has urged authorities to stop using a specific religion as a scapegoat while speaking of national unity.
International concern has intensified significantly, with U.S. President Donald Trump alluding to allegations that the South Korean government has conducted very vicious raids on churches and entered U.S. military bases to gather information. In August, the president's post on Truth Social indicated that a purge or revolution in South Korea could be taking place. Observers note the unusual nature of an allied nation's leader publicly expressing concern over another country's internal law enforcement practices.
In December, the International Democracy Union stated that South Korea should be monitored for adherence to core governance principles and fundamental rights protection. Such resolutions directed at South Korea are rare, particularly on governance and rule of law issues. The situation raises fundamental questions about state intervention in religious matters, as freedom of religion is expressly protected under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, requiring any state interference to meet standards of legality, proportionality, and minimal restriction.
The controversy highlights a sharp contrast between South Korea's global image as a cultural powerhouse through K-Pop and K-Drama exports and growing perceptions of democratic regression. As the country bears the weight of questions about religious freedom and state authority, international attention focuses on how this case will impact South Korea's democratic future and its standing among liberal democracies worldwide. The church maintains its global media presence through SCJ TV, its official broadcasting channel featuring worship, Bible education, and cultural content accessible worldwide.
