South Korean government cancels major religious event, sparking outrage

In October 2024, an administrative decision by the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization led to the cancellation of a planned religious event in Paju, South Korea. The 'Religious Leaders Forum and Graduation Ceremony' was set to host over 30,000 participants from 57 countries, including various religious leaders. Organizers argued that the cancellation, made without prior notice, constituted discrimination against specific religious groups, violating principles of religious freedom and due process under the South Korean Constitution. The Gyeonggi Tourism Organization cited security concerns related to North Korea as a reason for the cancellation. However, critics pointed out that other concurrent activities, such as civilian bike rides and foreign tourist visits to the DMZ, were allowed to proceed. This inconsistency raised doubts about the legitimacy of the cancellation and led to accusations of targeting specific religious groups, namely the Shincheonji Church of Jesus and the Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea. The incident has reignited debates around religious freedom and tolerance in South Korea. The U.S. State Department's International Religious Freedom Report has previously documented issues such as the government’s stance on the prosecution of certain religious groups and its reluctance to approve mosque constructions. In light of this latest event, the affected organizations are calling on the South Korean government to uphold human rights and address perceived injustices. In a broader context, this cancellation is part of ongoing tensions between the state and various religious communities in South Korea, highlighting the delicate balance of governance and religious freedom. The ongoing backlash has prompted calls from religious leaders for international observation and action to ensure that religious freedoms are respected and protected in South Korea.