Read on Twitter
In late February, Rev. Jun Kwang-hoon, a dangerous, fiery populist pastor who probably harbors personal political ambitions, was arrested. Now, thanks to the government's foolish approach to his arrest, Rev. Jun is now a walking martyr. http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2020/04/10/2020041000116.html
Just when Daegu was recognized as SKorea's epicenter of the coronavirus, and everyone recognized the need for social distancing, Rev. Jun organized massive rallies at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul. He claimed people couldn't get infected outdoors. http://www.donga.com/news/article/all/20200224/99838074/1
Rev. Jun's influence cannot be taken lightly. Late last year, he attracted huge crowds to his rallies in central Seoul, which forced President Moon's previous Justice Minister, Cho Kuk, to step down. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/14/world/asia/south-korea-cho-kuk-resigns.html
He should have been arrested for endangering the public when he claimed people couldn't get infected with the coronavirus when they are outdoors. Or for any sane reason. Instead, he was arrested for violating election laws by saying, "Support right-wing candidates."
He is also being sued for defamation for saying that President Moon Jae-in is a NKorean spy (without proof, of course).
While Rev. Jun admits he said those things, his defense is that the things he said do not merit prosecution.
Rev. Jun did not appear in court personally.
While Rev. Jun admits he said those things, his defense is that the things he said do not merit prosecution.
Rev. Jun did not appear in court personally.
Rev. Jun's attorney said, "A country that guarantees the right to free speech and a free press cannot arrest someone for asking people to support right-wing candidates or for criticizing the president."
And that is absolutely correct.
And that is absolutely correct.
SKorea's election laws are problematic for many reasons. But even when we ignore all that, issuing an arrest warrant for saying "Support right-wing candidates" is nothing short of heavy handed.
It would have been a different story had the government arrested him for potentially endangering hundreds, if not thousands, of lives by going ahead with his rallies despite the government's ban to cope with the coronavirus. Then the arrest would have been warranted.
For God's sake, the man actually said, "It is patriotic to die from illness. Those who suffer from illness will be healed if they attend the rally." http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20200224000752
But he wasn't arrested for those reasons. He was arrested for violating election laws and for defamation. This is an entirely different matter. Though he might have violated the law, it is easy to see that the law is unjust in this matter.
SKorean churches are no strangers to politics. Progressive Christian leaders protested against military dictatorship. Similarly, conservative Christian leaders made anti-communism their Crusade.
Agree or disagree with them, they are a vital part of SKorea's democracy.
Agree or disagree with them, they are a vital part of SKorea's democracy.
Rev. Jun, on the other hand, doesn't deserve to be in their ranks. His church, the Sarang Jeil Church, continues to be on the news for violating Seoul City's administrative order not to hold mass gatherings to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20200405002300315
But due to the government's mishandling of his arrest, Rev. Jun's popularity and influence keeps growing.
His support can be found on right-wing YouTube channels that promote everything he says. He even has his own YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1qldNOqaqIY2PwhbVwIhWA
His support can be found on right-wing YouTube channels that promote everything he says. He even has his own YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1qldNOqaqIY2PwhbVwIhWA
The SKorean government gave Rev. Jun everything he wanted on a silver platter.
Rev. Jun should have been arrested for endangering lives. The government instead turned it into a constitutional matter where he has the upper hand.
Rev. Jun should have been arrested for endangering lives. The government instead turned it into a constitutional matter where he has the upper hand.
If he wins in court, he can say he defeated Goliath. If he loses, he can say he is being persecuted like Christ. Either way, he wins, and his flock will continue to fight on his behalf.
Rev. Jun should have been exposed as a dangerous demagogue. Instead, he's now a martyr.
Rev. Jun should have been exposed as a dangerous demagogue. Instead, he's now a martyr.
I wrote this thread about Rev. Jun when he was arrested in February. https://twitter.com/koreanforeigner/status/1231953311852453892
