International condemnation is mounting against South Korea following statements by President Lee Jae Myung and Prime Minister Kim Min-seok that label Shincheonji Church of Jesus a 'cult' and call for its 'eradication.' The remarks, made on January 12 and 13, 2026, have sparked allegations of religious persecution and democratic backsliding in a nation often celebrated for its cultural exports like K-Pop and K-Drama.
President Lee publicly declared that Shincheonji and other religious groups have caused 'serious damage' to society, prompting the Prime Minister to order a joint investigation aimed at the group's eradication. A task force of law enforcement agencies has been assembled, and discussions in the National Assembly about appointing a special prosecutor suggest further compulsory measures, including search-and-seizure operations, may follow. Critics argue that these actions violate Article 20 of South Korea's Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion, and undermine democratic principles by fostering state-sponsored stigma against a specific religion.
Shincheonji Church of Jesus, founded in 1984 by Chairman Lee Man-hee, has experienced rapid growth, adding over 100,000 members annually. The group first drew intense state scrutiny during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when authorities conducted large-scale investigations and multiple search-and-seizure operations. President Lee, then governor of Gyeonggi Province, personally led a forced entry into the church's headquarters. However, South Korean courts later acquitted Shincheonji of major charges, including violations of infectious disease laws. The church has stated that 'issues already resolved by the judiciary are now being recycled as tools for political and public attacks,' and urged authorities to 'stop using a specific religion as a scapegoat.'
The controversy has drawn international attention, notably from U.S. President Donald Trump, who in August 2025 posted on Truth Social about 'very vicious raids' on churches and suggested a 'purge or revolution' could be occurring in South Korea. The International Democracy Union (IDU) issued a resolution in December 2025 calling for monitoring of South Korea's adherence to core governance principles and fundamental rights. Such scrutiny is rare for South Korea, a key U.S. ally and established democracy.
The case raises fundamental questions about the limits of state intervention in religious matters, especially under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which protects freedom of religion. As international observers watch closely, South Korea's commitment to democratic values and the rule of law faces a critical test.
