Pastor who led anti-impeachment protests meets Trump at White House

Rev. Son Hyun-bo, a key figure in protests against the impeachment of former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, recently met with US President Donald Trump at the White House. Son, who leads Segero Church in Busan, emerged as a prominent organizer during the demonstrations that followed Yoon's brief declaration of martial law in December 2024.

Segero Church announced that Son and his family spoke with Trump and visited the White House Faith Office. A photograph showed Son with Trump in the Oval Office, accompanied by conservative Christian pastor Rob McCoy, who reportedly arranged the meeting. During the discussion, Son shared insights into the Republic of Korea and the Korean church, stressing the importance of protecting the values of liberty and religious belief.

Son has been in the United States since mid-July, accepting an invitation from the American religious community. He has engaged with various American religious leaders, senators, politicians, and government agency representatives. He has also appeared on Christian radio broadcasts to discuss the situation of the Korean church and issues surrounding religious expression freedom.

As the head of the Protestant organization Save Korea, Son previously led demonstrations opposing Yoon's impeachment. He faced legal issues, including charges of illegal electioneering, but received a suspended sentence. During his meetings with US officials, Son has expressed concerns regarding a proposed civil code change that could allow the government to disband religious organizations, as well as a long-debated anti-discrimination bill. These issues have drawn attention from US government officials, some of whom Son met with previously.

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Although our free Republic of Korea is facing many difficulties right now, I believe that if our fellow believers and all of our citizens join forces, we will be able to protect our freedom.