International Rights Groups Raise Concerns Over Religious Freedom in South Korea

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA — 7 AUGUST 2026

International human-rights organisations and scholars have raised concerns over freedom of religion or belief, freedom of expression and due process in South Korea during an international press conference held at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents’ Club (SFCC) on 7 August 2026.

The press conference was organised by Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF) together with CAP Liberté de Conscience (CAP LC), FOREF Germany, CESNUR and Bitter Winter.

The discussions focused on the treatment of religious minorities and included particular concerns regarding the pre-trial detention of 95-year-old Chairman Lee Man-hee of Shincheonji.

Speakers questioned whether continued detention of an elderly defendant is proportionate and called for humanitarian considerations, due process and the presumption of innocence to be respected.
The conference also addressed wider issues relating to religious freedom in South Korea, including freedom of expression, conscientious objection, religious accommodation and the treatment of minority religious communities facing public or official scrutiny.

Formal Appeal to the Korean Government
At the conclusion of the press conference, participating scholars signed a formal statement addressed to the Government of the Republic of Korea, calling for Chairman Lee’s immediate release from custody so that he may stand trial without being held in detention.

The statement emphasised humanitarian considerations and international principles concerning the treatment of elderly defendants.

The signatories included:
Hans Noot — Associate Director, Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF)
Prof. Massimo Introvigne — Managing Director & Editor-in-Chief, CESNUR & Bitter Winter
Thierry Valle — President, CAP Liberté de Conscience
Michael Langhans — Executive Director, FOREF Germany
Dr. Márk Nemes — Deputy Director, CESNUR

The participants stressed that their concerns extend beyond any single religious movement, highlighting the broader principles of freedom of religion or belief, freedom of expression, human dignity, due process and equal protection of fundamental rights.

The press conference also referred to concerns involving other religious communities and issues in South Korea, including conscientious objection, religious accommodation and public opposition surrounding a mosque project in Daegu.
International Attention
The Seoul conference brought together international voices from human-rights organisations and academic institutions to discuss the protection of religious freedom and fundamental rights in a democratic society.
The organisations called on the South Korean authorities, media and international community to examine developments involving religious minorities with attention to due process, proportionality and equal protection of fundamental rights.
The formal statement and the discussions at the press conference are expected to contribute to continued international attention and debate surrounding freedom of religion or belief and the treatment of religious minorities in South Korea.

RagsStar Media Global will continue to follow developments related to this issue.

NEWS & IMAGES:
RAGSSTAR MEDIA GLOBAL
Seoul, South Korea

Media Source: RagsStar Media Global
Coverage: Seoul, South Korea
Date: 7 August 2026

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