South Korea Cancels Religious Event, Sparking Freedom Concerns
Organizers have called for government intervention and international monitoring of religious freedom in the country.
PAJU, South Korea — A South Korean government agency's last-minute cancellation of a major religious gathering has sparked international controversy over religious freedom and discrimination, writes Winston Mwale.
The Gyeonggi Tourism Organization on Oct. 29 canceled venue rental for the "Religious Leaders Forum and Graduation Ceremony," which expected 30,000 participants from 57 countries, including 1,000 religious leaders from various faiths.
The event, organized by the Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea and Shincheonji Church of Jesus, had received confirmation just days before that no cancellation was planned.
"This unilateral cancellation constitutes an unconstitutional act of discrimination," event organizers said in a joint statement.
They noted that other events scheduled for the same day proceeded normally.
The tourism organization cited security concerns related to North Korean activities and planned protests by defector groups.
However, civilian activities like bike rides and DMZ tours continued in the area.
The incident has drawn attention to religious freedom in South Korea, previously highlighted in U.S. State Department reports noting concerns about prosecution of religious groups and restrictions on mosque construction.
Organizers have called for government intervention and international monitoring of religious freedom in the country.