Seoul, South Korea: A coalition of civil society groups has warned that recent remarks by senior South Korean government officials targeting specific religious groups risk undermining constitutional protections on religious freedom and the separation of church and state.
The Coalition for Democracy and Freedom of Religion (CDFR) issued the warning on Thursday during a joint press conference held at the Blue House fountain in Seoul, where it also formally announced its establishment.
In a joint statement, the coalition said what it described as “state-level stigmatization and pressure directed at particular religions” raises serious concerns about potential abuse of state power and erosion of democratic principles.
CDFR brings together civic, religious and social organisations, including representatives from Buddhist, Christian and Islamic communities, alongside legal professionals, university scholars and civil society leaders. About 100 people attended the event, which was held under the theme “Protecting Constitutionally Guaranteed Freedom of Religion.”
The statement was read by Venerable Beop San, executive chief of the Jogye Order of Daegak Buddhism and a co-representative of the coalition. This was followed by presentations from speakers representing different faiths and civil society, who cautioned that government labelling of certain religions could set a dangerous precedent for religious neutrality in a democratic state.
The coalition cited Article 20 of South Korea’s Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and mandates the separation of religion and state, as well as Articles 10 and 11, which enshrine human dignity and equality before the law.
According to the statement, repeated official references to certain groups as “pseudo-religious,” “heretical” or “harmful” risk violating constitutional principles of non-discrimination and state neutrality.
The coalition’s concerns follow remarks made during a January 12 luncheon meeting between President Lee Jae-myung and religious leaders. According to a briefing by Blue House spokesperson Kang Yoo-jeong, the President agreed with comments from some religious leaders who said that “the damage caused by pseudo-religious and cult groups such as the Unification Church and Shincheonji is severe,” adding that the problem had worsened due to prolonged inaction.
A day later, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, speaking at a Cabinet meeting, reportedly described the same groups as “social evils that must be eradicated” and ordered a comprehensive, government-wide investigation. These statements, the coalition said, exemplify a troubling shift from dialogue to state-directed condemnation.
At the press conference, CDFR stressed that regardless of whether criminal allegations are being investigated, senior government officials must refrain from broad and negative characterisations of religious organisations, as such language could prejudice public opinion and compromise due process.
The coalition also noted that some of the religious groups under scrutiny have engaged in recognised social activities, including volunteer work and blood donation drives, yet have been subjected to sweeping criticism without the presentation of specific criminal findings.
Highlighting South Korea’s obligations as a party to international human rights instruments — including the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) — the coalition said recent government responses warrant careful examination to determine whether they comply with both constitutional guarantees and international standards.
CDFR called on the United Nations and international organisations concerned with freedom of religion or belief, democracy and human rights to conduct independent reviews and issue recommendations on the situation in South Korea.
In its closing remarks, the coalition urged the government to halt actions that could incite hostility toward particular religious groups, issue a public apology for what it termed discriminatory remarks by senior leaders, and establish mechanisms for dialogue that ensure equal respect for all faiths and beliefs.
“Freedom of religion is not an issue affecting one group alone,” the coalition said. “It is a fundamental standard for the health and integrity of a democratic society.”
