Suspended Sentence for Preliminary Electioneering: Pastor Hyunbo Son Says Upon Release, "My Two Sons Invited to the White House"

Sentenced to Six Months in Prison with One Year Probation

Pastor Hyunbo Son, senior pastor of Busan Segyero Church, who was indicted on charges of engaging in preliminary election campaigning ahead of the 21st presidential election and the Busan superintendent of education re-election, received a suspended prison sentence in the first trial. Pastor Son, who had been detained, was released after five months.

According to Yonhap News on January 30, the 6th Criminal Division of the Busan District Court (Presiding Judge Kim Yonggyun) sentenced Pastor Son to six months in prison with a one-year probation for violating the Public Official Election Act and the Local Education Autonomy Act. The court found Pastor Son guilty, stating that his actions were carried out with an awareness of their potential influence on the election and that his intent was clear.

On the morning of the 30th, Pastor Hyunbo Son, senior pastor of Busan Segyero Church (center), spoke about his feelings after being sentenced to six months in prison with a one-year probation and being released in front of the Busan District Court. Pastor Son had been on trial in detention, charged with illegal election campaigning ahead of last year's presidential election and the Busan superintendent of education re-election. Yonhap News

Pastor Son is also the head of "Save Korea," a Protestant group that organized a rally opposing the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol early last year.

With this sentencing, Pastor Son was released approximately five months after an arrest warrant was issued for him on September 8 last year. Upon his release with a suspended sentence, he expressed his gratitude, saying, "I am thankful that my two sons were invited to the White House in the United States to share their story, and that 10,000 American pastors signed a petition for my release."

According to the prosecution, ahead of the April 2 Busan superintendent of education re-election last year, Pastor Son filmed a conversation with then-People Power Party candidate Jung Seungyoon at his church, held a "Victory Prayer Service" at Jung’s campaign office, and delivered speeches aimed at opposing specific candidates, among other repeated acts of electioneering.

In May and June of last year, ahead of the presidential election, Pastor Son is also accused of using a microphone during worship services to make negative remarks about then-presidential candidate Lee Jaemyung and to urge the election of candidate Kim Moonsu, including broadcasting related videos on a large screen several times. Under current law, religious organizations or their members are prohibited from using their positions to engage in election campaigning.

The court pointed out, "It is clear that the defendant had both the intention and purpose of promoting the election or defeat of specific candidates."

On the morning of the 30th, Pastor Hyunbo Son, head pastor of Busan Segyero Church, was leaving the main entrance of the Busan District Court building. Pastor Son, who was indicted and detained on charges of illegal election campaigning ahead of last year's presidential election and Busan superintendent of education re-election, was sentenced to six months in prison with a one-year probation and was released on the same day. Yonhap News

The court further explained that, considering the number of congregants at Pastor Son's church and the subscribers to its YouTube channel, his influence was significant, stating, "Through the statements listed in the indictment, it appears that he exercised considerable influence over a large number of potential voters." The court added, "Using amplification devices to increase the reach of electioneering also constitutes unlawful campaigning."

The court also considered several factors in sentencing: the defendant admitted to the facts of the crime; apart from a previous fine for a similar offense, he had no other criminal record; as a pastor, he used his position to organize and plan illegal electioneering among his congregation, undermining the fairness of the election; and he continued his actions even while under investigation. These factors were taken into account in determining the sentence.

Previously, the prosecution had requested a one-year prison sentence for Pastor Son. Pastor Son's defense argued that his actions were protected as religious freedom under the Constitution and claimed his innocence.

After the sentencing, Pastor Son held a press conference in front of the Busan District Court, stating, "By God's grace, I was able to rest and recover," and added, "I am grateful that the United States invited my family to the White House to hear our story, and that 10,000 American pastors joined the petition for my release."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.