Pastor Convicted of Election Violations Claims Solitary Confinement for Criticizing Government in US Podcast

A South Korean pastor, who received a suspended sentence for violating election laws, has sparked controversy by claiming on a US Christian podcast that he was held in solitary confinement for criticizing the government. Pastor Son Hyun-bo of World Vision Church in Busan, currently visiting the United States, appeared on a podcast hosted by American conservative Christian figures Rob McCoy and his son, Son Chan-song, featuring Allen Jackson, pastor of World Outreach Church in Tennessee.

In a YouTube video uploaded on March 8, Pastor Son alleged that South Korea has rapidly "gone left" since a "leftist government" took power. He described the current administration as one that "gets close to China and North Korea and infringes on religious freedom." He further claimed, "In my case, I was imprisoned in solitary confinement for five months for criticizing the government during a worship service." He stated his imprisonment demonstrated "how a pastor can go to jail even for telling an ordinary story, depending on which government is in power."

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In my case, I was imprisoned in solitary confinement for five months for criticizing the government during a worship service.

Pastor Son also addressed the ballot shortage during the June 3 local elections, asserting, "The entire country is in chaos due to election fraud." He claimed, "The 20s and 30s are explosively protesting against the government," adding that the president's approval rating has "completely plummeted," with 70% of those aged 20-30 opposing the government.

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The entire country is in chaos due to election fraud.

However, the article states that Son's assertion about criticizing the government as the reason for his imprisonment is far from the truth. He was arrested in September last year on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act and the Local Education Autonomy Act. In January, he received a suspended sentence of six months in prison, suspended for one year, and was released. The Public Official Election Act prohibits election campaigning within organizations like religious groups, and restricts the use of loudspeakers outside of public speeches or debates. Pastor Son was found to have filmed and posted videos supporting a conservative candidate on social media during a period when campaigning was prohibited. He also appealed for support for a candidate during prayer meetings and Sunday services using loudspeakers and video projections, all of which occurred before the current government took office. The Busan Election Commission, not the government, filed the initial complaint against him. Pastor Son has a prior conviction for illegal election campaigning, resulting in a fine.

The Constitutional Court affirmed the constitutionality of these election law provisions in January 2024, ruling that the public interest in preventing the "unhealthy entanglement of politics and religion" outweighs the arguments against them.

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The 20s and 30s are explosively protesting against the government.

Separately, Pastor Son met with former US President Donald Trump at the White House on March 7, accompanied by Pastor McCoy and his family. World Vision Church stated that Pastor Son shared "stories about South Korea and the Korean church" and discussed "various opinions on protecting the values of freedom and faith," though specific details were not disclosed. Pastor Son has previously engaged with US government officials, expressing concerns about legislation related to the dissolution of religious corporations and a comprehensive anti-discrimination law.

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The public interest in preventing the unhealthy entanglement of politics and religion outweighs the arguments against them.