Established Africa - International Rights Groups Raise Alarm Over Freedom of Religion and Expression in South Korea

Hi everyone!

If you follow my blog, you know how much I love sharing K-culture and the vibrant energy of South Korea.

At the same time, because I truly care about South Korea, I also find myself taking an honest and objective look at how well its democratic values and human rights are being upheld.

Recently, an international press conference held at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents' Club caught my attention.

Major global human rights organizations—including Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF), CAP LC, FOREF, CESNUR, and Bitter Winter—raised serious concerns regarding freedom of religion and expression, as well as due process, in South Korea.

Among the central issues discussed were the pretrial detention of Lee Man-hee, the 95-year-old chairman of Shincheonji, and issues concerning 83-year-old Hak Ja Han of the Family Federation.

Now, let me be very clear upfront: I am not here to pass judgment on the legal allegations or play the role of a judge.

 

Whether the allegations have legal merit is strictly a matter for the courts to determine through a fair judicial process.

However, looking at this strictly from a humanitarian and human rights perspective, the questions raised by international experts really resonated with me.

Is Pretrial Detention Necessary for a 95-Year-Old?

During the conference, human rights experts highlighted the principle of proportionality and international standards such as the UN Mandela Rules.

Thierry Valle from CAP LC pointed to South Korea’s international obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and questioned whether keeping a 95-year-old in pretrial detention aligns with basic humanitarian standards.

Furthermore, legal expert Michael Langhans raised an important question: if authorities have already gathered the evidence needed for an indictment, is continued detention prior to a verdict truly necessary?

In many modern democracies, alternatives such as house arrest or bail are used to protect both the judicial process and human dignity without presuming guilt.

 

Fundamental Rights Apply to Everyone

What struck me most was a statement by Hans Noot, Associate Director of HRWF.

He emphasized that defending these rights isn't about endorsing a specific religious movement or theology; it’s about upholding the fundamental principle that basic human rights must apply equally to everyone.

The conference also touched on broader concerns in South Korea, such as the scrutiny by authorities faced by Pastor Son Hyun-bo of Segero Church after his release, ongoing debates over the 36-month alternative civilian service for conscientious objectors, including Jehovah’s Witnesses, and public opposition to a mosque project in Daegu.

When any religious minority is stigmatized or when dissent is treated purely as a problem to be contained, the precedent set can affect all citizens in a democratic society.

Global Implications for Faith Communities

Scholar Márk Nemes from CESNUR noted that movements like Shincheonji are not merely local; they have international congregations.

When bias or hostility escalates domestically, it can also affect how members abroad are treated, raising questions about protections under Articles 18 and 19 of the ICCPR concerning freedom of belief and expression.

As someone who deeply values both Korean culture and universal human rights, I believe open dialogue and strict adherence to due process are essential.

Regardless of how one feels about Shincheonji or Lee Man-hee, chairman of Shincheonji, human dignity, the presumption of innocence, and proportionate legal measures should remain bedrock principles for every democratic nation.

What are your thoughts on balancing the requirements of the legal process with humanitarian considerations for elderly individuals?

 

Let’s keep the conversation respectful and constructive in the comments below!