Under South Korea’s Level 4 social distancing measures, in-person worship services in the Seoul metropolitan area are restricted to a maximum of 19 attendees.
The Seoul Administrative Court recently dismissed an injunction filed by the Freedom of Worship Restoration Network (예자연), which had sought to suspend parts of the city’s guidelines. The organization challenged the rules allowing only up to 10% of the facility’s capacity or a maximum of 19 attendees, and prohibiting in-person worship at religious facilities with a history of violating quarantine measures or reporting COVID-19 cases.
Court’s Rationale
The court reaffirmed the city’s restriction, emphasizing that it permits limited in-person worship rather than imposing an outright ban. It noted that even smaller religious facilities, which may lack the resources for online worship equipment, can still conduct services within the 19-person limit.
The court stated, “The current guidelines ensure that worship activities are not entirely prohibited while balancing public health concerns.”
Controversy Surrounding Sarang Jeil Church
Despite the court’s ruling, Sarang Jeil Church, led by Pastor Jun Kwang-hoon, reportedly violated the restrictions by holding services with more than 19 attendees. Pastor Jun has also announced plans to lead a large-scale Liberation Day rally on August 15, sparking widespread criticism and concerns over potential public health risks.
The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions between public health measures and religious freedoms, with further disputes likely as the pandemic continues.
