Press Conference on Religious Freedom and Human Rights in South Korea
SEOUL, South Korea, 8 August 2026 — A press conference hosted by Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF), in collaboration with CAP Liberté de Conscience (CAP LC) and other organizations, brought urgent attention to issues surrounding freedom of religion and expression in South Korea. Held at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents’ Club, the event highlighted the alarming treatment of elderly religious leaders in pretrial detention and called for a reevaluation of governmental actions against religious minorities.
Focus on Detained Leaders
One of the central issues discussed was the pretrial detention of 95-year-old Shincheonji Chairman Lee Man-hee. The press conference emphasized serious concerns about proportionality, humanitarian considerations, and due process practices in the legal system. The organizations involved urged South Korean authorities to reexamine the circumstances surrounding Chairman Lee’s detention and to ensure that treatment of religious minorities aligns with international human rights obligations. They also voiced concerns regarding 83-year-old Mrs. Hak-ja Han Moon, of the Family Federation, underscoring a troubling trend in the treatment of aged religious leaders.
Broader Patterns of Discrimination
The discussions extended beyond specific cases to highlight patterns of discrimination faced by religious communities in South Korea. For instance, the Segero Church in Busan remains under official scrutiny, despite Pastor Son Hyun-bo’s release from detention. The conference addressed various forms of public hostility, such as opposition to a mosque project in Daegu and broader discriminatory practices affecting religious education settings.
HRWF has documented the imprisonment of numerous Jehovah’s Witnesses as conscientious objectors over the decades, even after alternative civilian service options were introduced. Critics argue that these alternatives are more punitive than accommodating, given that they often require lengthy service in correctional facilities—double the time of regular military service. Recent court decisions have compounded these issues by upholding elements of this system in the face of constitutional challenges, raising further red flags about the prioritization of religious freedom in the country.
Central Themes of the Conference
Opening the conference, Hans Noot, Associate Director of HRWF, emphasized that the issues at stake affect the very essence of democratic society. He warned against the dangers of stigmatizing religious groups and restricting peaceful gatherings, stating that such actions can have far-reaching implications. “Dissent should not be treated simply as a problem to be contained,” he remarked, underscoring that the fight transcends any singular theology—it’s a matter of defending core principles of equality and human rights.
Legal Perspectives on Detention
Thierry Valle, the President of CAP Liberté de Conscience, raised legal questions about Chairman Lee’s pretrial detention. Citing South Korea’s commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention against Torture, he challenged the appropriateness of holding a 95-year-old person in such conditions. Valle advocated for alternative, humane measures that respect both human dignity and the presumption of innocence—a sentiment supported by international standards.
He referenced precedents like Cardinal Joseph Zen’s bail release in Hong Kong and a similar move in Vietnam regarding Buddhist Patriarch Thich Quang Do, suggesting that South Korea should adopt a more compassionate approach to its elderly detainees.
Concerns Over Evidence and Fairness
Michael Langhans, Executive Director of FOREF Germany, further examined whether pretrial detention for Chairman Lee was necessary, considering the available evidence. He questioned whether the evidence against Lee was presented fairly or if it stemmed from a narrative framing his community negatively. The implication for lawmakers is profound; measures intended to ensure fair elections should not undermine constitutionally and internationally guaranteed rights, including the freedom of religion.
Impact of Religious Persecution Globally
Dr. Márk Nemes, Deputy Director of CESNUR, highlighted the escalating persecution faced by minority faiths, drawing attention to recent studies conducted in international Shincheonji congregations. He offered a concerning perspective on how growing hostility in South Korea has global ramifications, adversely affecting rights of congregants overseas.
Warnings Against Erosion of Rights
Massimo Introvigne, Managing Director of CESNUR, articulated that the actions taken against Chairman Lee signify troubling trends. He stressed the importance of adhering to international norms, like the Mandela Rules, which advocate for house arrest over imprisonment for elderly individuals accused of non-violent offenses. Regarding the legal framework of charges against Lee, he cautioned that the implications could extend far beyond individual cases, fitting into a pattern of repression against minority faiths in South Korea.
Greater Call for International Attention
Calls to action emerged from the conference, urging South Korean authorities, the media, and the global community to scrutinize these developments closely. Participants underscored the importance of due process, proportionality, and ensuring that all individuals enjoy equal protection of their fundamental rights. In a show of solidarity, attending scholars signed an official letter directed to the South Korean government, advocating for the immediate release of Chairman Lee from detention.
By fostering dialogue around these critical issues, the press conference aimed to draw wider attention to the nuances threatening religious freedoms in South Korea, amplifying the voices of those who continue to face discrimination and oppression.