The South Korean government is facing mounting international criticism and allegations of religious persecution following public statements by senior officials targeting a specific religious group. President Lee Jae Myung and Prime Minister Kim Min-seok have both labeled Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony as a "cult" and called for its "eradication," prompting concerns about democratic regression in a nation known globally for its cultural exports.
On January 12, President Lee publicly condemned Shincheonji, declaring that "the harm they cause to society has been left unchecked for too long, resulting in serious damage." The following day, Prime Minister Kim ordered a joint investigation into what he termed a "pseudo-religious group" aimed at its eradication. These statements have led to the assembly of a joint law enforcement team and ongoing investigations, with discussions in the National Assembly regarding appointing a special prosecutor raising concerns about additional compulsory measures.
Critics assert these actions undermine constitutional principles, particularly Article 20 of the Constitution of South Korea which guarantees freedom of religion as a fundamental right. The targeting of Shincheonji without judicial rulings has prompted concerns that "state authority is fostering stigma and hostility toward a specific religion." This development follows President Lee's election after the impeachment of South Korea's former president, which occurred following an unconstitutional declaration of martial law.
Shincheonji Church of Jesus, founded in 1984 by Chairman Lee Man-hee, reports annual membership increases exceeding 100,000. The organization first became a major 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. South Korean courts later acquitted Shincheonji of major charges, including alleged violations of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act.
In response to the current situation, Shincheonji stated that "although numerous complaints and accusations have been filed against us, courts have consistently dropped charges or ruled 'not guilty,'" adding that "issues already resolved by the judiciary are now being recycled as tools for political and public attacks." The church 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 its global media platform SCJ TV as an official broadcasting channel featuring worship, Bible education, and cultural content.
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. In August, President Trump's post on Truth Social indicated that "a purge or a 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 protection of fundamental rights. Such resolutions directed at South Korea are rare, particularly on issues related to governance and the rule of law. Freedom of religion is expressly protected under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which requires any state interference to meet standards of legality, proportionality, and minimal restriction.
This situation poses fundamental questions for liberal democracies regarding the extent to which states can intervene in religious matters and fundamental civil rights. The international community is watching closely as South Korea bears the weight of these questions, with many observers noting a sharp contrast between the nation's image as a K-Pop and K-Drama cultural powerhouse and growing perceptions of democratic regression.
