# Religious freedom concerns in South Korea

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/religious-freedom-concerns-in-south-korea
> Updated: 2026-08-12T08:21:35.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 3.

International human rights organizations, including Human Rights Without Frontiers, CAP Liberté de Conscience, FOREF, CESNUR, and Bitter Winter, have raised alarms regarding religious freedom and freedom of expression in South Korea.

During a press conference held at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents Club on August 7, 2026, advocates reported a ‘drastic deterioration’ in religious and belief freedoms. The groups criticized the South Korean government for what they described as the ‘systemic abuse of investigative detention and judicial tools against religious minorities.’

Specific calls were made for a review of the pretrial detention of elderly religious leaders, namely 95-year-old Shincheonji Chairman Lee Man-hee and 83-year-old Hak-ja Han Moon of the Family Federation. Organizations argued these detentions violate international human rights standards, including the ICCPR and the UN Mandela Rules, urging authorities to maintain neutral and proportionate legal responses.

Other issues cited include public hostility toward a mosque project in Daegu, scrutiny of the Segero Church in Busan, and religious accommodation in schools. Critics also highlighted concerns regarding conscientious objectors, noting that the required 36-month alternative civilian service in correctional facilities is double the length of standard military service. Furthermore, the organizations noted a perceived lack of adequate reporting or response from European media and political institutions regarding these developments.

## Claims

- Rights groups held a press conference in Seoul regarding religious freedom and expression. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Organizations called for a review of the detention of 95-year-old Shincheonji Chairman Lee Man-hee. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Groups urged South Korean authorities to ensure responses to religious minorities, such as 83-year-old Hak-ja Han Moon, are consistent with international obligations. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Alternative civilian service for conscientious objectors requires 36 months of service in correctional facilities, which is twice the length of regular military service. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-12: Human rights groups report religious freedom violations in South Korea

European human rights groups have raised alarms over deteriorating religious and expression freedoms in South Korea, citing systemic judicial abuse against religious minorities and elderly leaders.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/human-rights-groups-report-religious-freedom-violations-in-south-korea

### 2026-08-09: South Korea religious freedom concerns raised by international rights groups

International rights groups held a press conference in Seoul, raising concerns over religious freedom and the treatment of religious leaders and minorities in South Korea.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korea-religious-freedom-concerns-raised-by-international-rights-groups

### 2026-08-07: Human rights groups raise alarm over religious freedom in South Korea

International rights groups have raised alarms over religious freedom and expression in South Korea, citing concerns over the treatment of elderly religious leaders and minority groups.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/human-rights-groups-raise-alarm-over-religious-freedom-in-south-korea

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Cite as: Religious freedom concerns in South Korea. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/religious-freedom-concerns-in-south-korea