GYEONGGI PROVINCE, SOUTH KOREA – A sea of protesters converged near the Gyeonggi Provincial Government building yesterday, as Shincheonji members demanded an apology and compensation for the sudden cancellation of their major event at Paju Imjingak Peace Park.
The protest, which drew an estimated 25,000 participants, was sparked by the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization’s decision to cancel the venue booking for the “Religious Leaders Forum and Graduation Ceremony” on the 29th of last month. The event, which had been approved on July 22, was expected to attract 6,400 international religious leaders and Shincheonji members.
According to Shincheonji, the cancellation was made without prior notice or consultation, citing concerns about North Korean tensions. However, the organization claims that other events scheduled for the Peace Park were allowed to proceed, while theirs was singled out.
“We repeatedly inquired with the relevant authorities and received assurances that there were no plans to cancel our event,” said Lee Gi-won, General Secretary of Shincheonji. “The cancellation was one-sided and constitutes religious oppression.”
The protest remained peaceful, with no significant clashes reported. A police force of 400 officers was deployed to ensure safety, and several lanes on roads near the provincial government building were blocked to facilitate the demonstration.
Shincheonji has announced plans to send an official letter to the Gyeonggi Provincial Government, seeking a formal apology and compensation for damages incurred due to the cancellation. The organization claims that 11,000 staff members had worked tirelessly for a year to prepare for the event, with stage, chair, equipment, and rehearsal items already set up at the site.
A representative of the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization explained that the cancellation was necessary due to the park’s proximity to the North Korean border and the inclusion of elements that could provoke North Korea, such as aerial balloons, drones, and fireworks.
Gyeonggi Province had designated Paju, Gimpo, and Yeoncheon as “danger zones” on the 15th of last month, and has been blocking the distribution of North Korean leaflets in these areas.
The protest highlights the ongoing tensions between Shincheonji and the Gyeonggi Provincial Government, with the organization accusing authorities of ignoring laws and principles. Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, has vowed to continue advocating for religious freedom and compensation for the damages suffered.
