Jeon Kwang-hoon, the pastor of Love First Church, appeared at the Seoul Western District Court on the 13th for a pre-trial detention review. He is accused of inciting a disturbance at the court, which occurred on January 19th of the previous year. The court will decide whether to detain him as early as today. Jeon denies involvement in the incident, claiming that he always instructed his followers to avoid clashes with the police. He also criticized what he sees as unfair treatment, stating that he was never sued or had complaints against him during right-wing presidencies, and alleging that the current administration is targeting him.
Jeon brought a police search certificate to the court, which he says proves that no incriminating evidence was found against him. In response to a question about potential influence on the disturbances by invoking “the right to resist,” he suggested looking at the laws concerning this right.
Jeon’s supporters gathered outside the court, calling for the dismissal of the warrant, while civil organizations held a press conference urging his detention. Jeon is accused of manipulating his aides and conservative YouTubers through psychological influence, leading them to encourage the court incident.
This pre-trial detention review comes a year after the chaos at the court. Previously, the Western District Prosecutors’ Office had asked the police to supplement their investigation before reapplying for a warrant for Jeon. Although Jeon’s name is associated with charges of inciting rebellion, his detention request did not include this accusation.