In South Korea, a troubling situation is unfolding that has raised alarms about religious freedom. Pastor Son Hyun-bo, a prominent church leader, was arrested on September 8, 2025, just two days after attending the "Build Up Korea" event, where he met American conservative figure Charlie Kirk. Pastor Son is known for his outspoken views on moral issues, including anti-discrimination laws and Biblical marriage.
The South Korean government has charged him with “illegal electioneering,” claiming that his sermons and public prayer rallies were political activities. This has sparked outrage among his supporters, who see it as a clear case of Christian persecution disguised as legal action. Critics argue that this situation echoes the tactics of oppressive regimes from the past.
Pastor Son, who leads Segero Church in Busan, has a remarkable history. He turned a small congregation of 20 members into a megachurch with over 4,000 attendees. He has baptized around 1,000 people each year for more than 15 years. During his military service in the 1980s, he faced brutal treatment for insisting on worship but managed to evangelize his entire unit. Even during COVID-19 lockdowns in 2021, he held outdoor services to uphold the right to gather in faith.
His activism extended beyond church walls. Pastor Son organized large prayer rallies, including a significant event in 2024 that attracted over a million participants, both online and in person. He used these platforms to speak against threats to religious freedom and to address political candidates’ positions on issues important to Christians.
The arrest warrant issued against him claimed that he posed a “flight risk,” despite his long-standing presence in Busan and his cooperation with authorities. This has led many to believe that his arrest is politically motivated, especially given his vocal criticism of President Lee Jae-myung and his defense of Christian values.
Legal experts and conservative leaders in South Korea have condemned the government’s actions. They argue that this is not just a legal issue but a serious threat to democracy and religious liberty. The General Assembly of Presbyterian Churches in Korea has called the situation grave, emphasizing the need for religious freedom.
Charlie Kirk, who spoke at the "Build Up Korea" event, expressed concern about the implications of Pastor Son’s arrest. He promised to alert American leaders if Son were detained, warning that such actions could lead to a broader crackdown on religious expression.
The arrest of Pastor Son has sparked a wave of support from American Christians and advocacy groups. Many are calling for diplomatic pressure on South Korea to uphold its constitutional guarantee of religious freedom. They urge people to pray for Pastor Son’s release and to speak out against what they see as a growing trend of persecution.
As the situation develops, the eyes of the world are on South Korea. Many hope that this incident will lead to a renewed commitment to protect religious freedoms and prevent further authoritarian measures. The call to action is clear: stand up for the right to worship freely and to speak out on moral issues without fear of retribution.
