Shincheonji Church of Jesus' Position on the Cancellation of Imjingak Pyeonghwanuri Hall Rental

An outrageous act has been committed that blatantly denies the religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Korea. The Gyeonggi Provincial Government and Gyeonggi Tourism Organization have committed an unconstitutional and illegal act that cannot be justified under any pretext. What justification is there for religious oppression?

Where is Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization leading this nation? Are they so blinded by political gain that they divide the people, split religions, and ultimately push Korea toward ruin?

Shincheonji Church of Jesus planned to rent Imjingak Pyeonghwanuri in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, from October 29 to 31 and hold the Religious Leaders Forum and Graduation Ceremony on October 30. Tens of thousands of graduates and religious leaders from home and abroad had already arrived in Korea, fully prepared for the event, which involved a massive budget of hundreds of billions of won. However, on the morning of October 29, Gyeonggi Tourism Organization abruptly canceled the rental without a single word of consultation. This unilateral cancellation was neither lawful nor respectful to the sovereign people and severely damages Korea’s national reputation. What explanation can we provide to the religious leaders and graduates who have already arrived? A nation that once championed Hallyu and globalization now invites international embarrassment through religious persecution. Does Shincheonji Church of Jesus have to stage a demonstration?

We followed all administrative procedures legally. We received rental approval on July 22 and fully paid the rental fee by October 2. On October 16, we held a practical meeting discussing event scale, layout, safety plans, and special effects such as fireworks. The Gyeonggi Tourism Organization reviewed all event details and completed the safety inspection. Although news came on the same day that Gyeonggi Province designated Paju as a risk zone due to anti-North Korea leaflet distributions, we were assured this did not apply to our event, and there were no prior notifications or restrictions related to it. On October 23 and 28, the officials confirmed twice that "there were no plans to cancel the rental."

Cancelling an event approved after safety review on the grounds of opposition from a specific religious group undermines administrative reliability and divides the nation. Furthermore, Governor Kim Dong-yeon justified the cancellation with the flimsy excuse of "provoking North Korea," yet other events at the same venue faced no such issues. An administrative decision based on opposition from a particular religious group flagrantly violates the principle of separation of church and state, protected by the Constitution, and is an unacceptable unconstitutional action in a democratic nation.

Is Gyeonggi Province trying to drive Shincheonji Church of Jesus out of Korea? What kind of administration grants and then cancels permission based on a single group's objection? We are proud citizens of this country. Why should we face discrimination in using public facilities funded by our taxes?

We can no longer endure this. Does Gyeonggi Province want tens of thousands of Shincheonji Church members to take to the streets? While Shincheonji Church has made numerous peaceful efforts to resolve issues, if this is the outcome, we will now fight for our rights and justice publicly.

Shincheonji Church of Jesus is not a second-class citizen group to be ignored or discriminated against. There should be no second-class citizens in this land. Do they think that such discrimination and oppression will bring peace to this country? They are mistaken.

We issue a serious warning. Gyeonggi Province and Gyeonggi Tourism Organization must reveal every justification for the cancellation decision and issue a formal apology to all Shincheonji members and invited domestic and international guests. Cease religiously discriminatory administration immediately. If this demand is not met, we will use every legal means at our disposal and mobilize tens of thousands of members to the streets. We will report Korea's religious oppression to international human rights organizations and pursue all possible civil and criminal legal actions.

All citizens in this country are equal. Religious freedom is non-negotiable. Shincheonji Church of Jesus and its members will continue to fight until the day we can practice our faith freely without discrimination.

November 1, 2024

All members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus