International scrutiny is intensifying as South Korean officials publicly stigmatize and call for the eradication of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, raising fundamental questions about religious freedom and democratic principles. President Lee Jae Myung condemned the religious group on January 12, declaring that the harm caused by such groups has resulted in serious societal damage. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok echoed these remarks the following day, ordering a joint investigation aimed at the group's eradication.
These statements have prompted a law enforcement investigation and discussions in the National Assembly about appointing a special prosecutor, with concerns about potential search-and-seizure operations. Critics argue that targeting Shincheonji without judicial rulings undermines constitutional protections, particularly Article 20 of the Constitution of South Korea which guarantees freedom of religion as a fundamental right. The situation has led to allegations that state authority is fostering stigma and hostility toward a specific religion.
Shincheonji, founded in 1984 by Chairman Lee Man-hee, has reported annual membership increases exceeding 100,000. 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. The church reported more than ten search-and-seizure operations targeting its headquarters and branch churches during that period. 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 the current situation by stating that repeated targeted investigations amount to religious discrimination, noting that courts have consistently dropped charges or ruled not guilty in previous cases. Shincheonji emphasized it is a religious community with no intention of engaging in political conflict and urged authorities to stop using a specific religion as a scapegoat while speaking of national unity. The organization maintains a global media platform at https://www.scj.tv featuring worship, Bible education, and cultural content.
International concern has grown significantly, with U.S. President Donald Trump alluding to allegations that the South Korean government has conducted very vicious raids on churches. In August, Trump suggested on Truth Social that a purge or revolution could be taking place in South Korea, an unusual public expression of concern from the leader of an allied nation about another country's internal law enforcement practices. The International Democracy Union stated in December that South Korea should be monitored for adherence to core governance principles and protection of fundamental rights.
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. This case poses fundamental questions for liberal democracies about the extent to which states can intervene in religious matters and fundamental civil rights. As South Korea bears the weight of this question, international attention is turning to the future of the nation's democracy and its commitment to protecting religious freedom for all citizens.
