25,000 Members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus Hold Rally Around the Gyeonggi Provincial Office

In protest against the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization’s cancellation of venue approval for a religious event scheduled to take place at Imjingak Peace Park in Paju on October 30, over 25,000 members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus gathered for a rally around the Gyeonggi Provincial Office on the 15th.

Shincheonji claimed, “The Gyeonggi Provincial Office and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization suddenly notified us of the cancellation on the 29th of last month, citing concerns over North Korea.” They argued, “While our event was canceled, other events scheduled for the same day were allowed to proceed, which is discriminatory administration and religious oppression.”

Lee Gi-won, the General Secretary of Shincheonji, stated, “Since Paju was designated as a dangerous area due to tensions with North Korea, we repeatedly inquired with relevant authorities about whether there would be any issues with holding our event and received assurances that there were no plans for cancellation.” He added, “Yet, they disregarded the law and principles and sent a cancellation notice the day before the event.”

The police deployed around 400 personnel from six mobile units to the area around Gwanggyo Central Park and the provincial office to prepare for any potential incidents. Additionally, some lanes of the road from Gate 2 of the provincial office to the North Gate were blocked off, preventing significant clashes with attendees.

Previously, on the 29th of last month, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization canceled the venue approval for the Shincheonji-related event “Religious Leaders Forum and Graduation Ceremony,” which had been approved on July 22.

A representative from the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization explained, “Considering that more than 30,000 people were expected to gather in Imjingak Peace Park, which is located near the border with North Korea, we had no choice but to cancel due to the recently heightened tensions between North and South Korea. We also considered that the event would involve elements that could provoke North Korea, such as balloons and fireworks.”

Gyeonggi Province designated Paju City, Gimpo City, and Yeoncheon County as “danger zones” on the 15th of last month to prevent the distribution of anti-North Korean leaflets.

Following the rally, Shincheonji plans to deliver a letter of complaint demanding an official apology from Gyeonggi Province and compensation for damages.