KCF: "Seven South Korean Detainees in North Korea Must Be Released and Repatriated Unconditionally"

Over 10,000 Church, Political, and Government Leaders Attend 81st Liberation Day Union Worship

Calls for Release of Seven Detainees Including Missionaries Kim Jungwook, Kim Kookki, and Choi Choonkil; Support Delivered to Families

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The Korea Church Federation (KCF), marking the 81st anniversary of Korea's Liberation, has called for the unconditional release and repatriation of seven South Korean citizens detained in North Korea.

The National Council of Churches in Korea held the "81st Anniversary of Korea's Liberation Celebration Korean Church Unity Worship" at Myungsung Church in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, on the 16th. National Council of Churches in Korea

According to the KCF on the 17th, the federation held the "81st Anniversary of Korea's Liberation Commemoration Korean Church United Worship Service" at Myeongseong Church in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, on the previous day. The service, with the theme "Love God, Love the Nation, Love the Church," was attended by approximately 10,000 people, including KCF President Kim Jung-seok, presidents, and general secretaries from member denominations, officials from religious and political circles, families of missionaries detained in North Korea, and congregation members.

In his sermon, President Kim emphasized the meaning of freedom and the responsibilities that come with it. He stated, "While political, economic, and social freedoms are relative, the inner freedom one experiences in the spirit is absolute and found only in God," adding, "True freedom is grounded in self-sacrifice and justice, and is accompanied by responsibility." He further emphasized that, amid ideological and generational conflicts, the Korean church should take the lead in restoring relationships and promoting social healing.

On this day, the KCF issued a declaration titled "Recaptured Light, Church that Reflects Again," listing peace on the Korean peninsula, resolution of social conflicts, restoration of the church’s essence, and the repatriation of citizens detained in North Korea as its major tasks. The KCF stated, "We remember the painful history of colonial rule and the anguish of division and confrontation following liberation, and we are determined to continue as a new light leading to peace, reconciliation, and recovery."

In particular, the KCF called on the North Korean authorities to release South Korean citizens who have been detained for extended periods. The KCF stated, "We urge the North Korean authorities to unconditionally and promptly release our citizens—missionaries Kim Jung-wook, Kim Kuk-gi, Choi Chun-gil, and four others currently in detention." The federation also asked the government to verify the safety and whereabouts of the detainees and to make every diplomatic effort to secure their repatriation. A total of seven South Korean citizens, including missionaries Kim Jung-wook, Kim Kuk-gi, and Choi Chun-gil, have been detained in North Korea for more than 10 years.

The KCF also called on Japan to face up to its past and halt actions that threaten peace in Northeast Asia, pointing out that Japan's discussions about amending Article 9 of its peace constitution and its moves to strengthen its military capabilities could heighten tensions in the region. The KCF emphasized that peace on the Korean peninsula contributes to peace in Northeast Asia, world peace, and the common prosperity of humanity.

The declaration also addressed the need to resolve internal societal conflicts and called for self-reflection within the church. It urged efforts to overcome generational and social class divides, to care for youth and the socially disadvantaged, to reflect on the church’s history of yielding to shrine worship under Japanese colonial rule, and to guard against secularization and the politicization of the pulpit.

During the service, President Kim Jung-seok and Myungseong Church’s senior pastor emeritus Kim Sam-hwan delivered financial support to the families of missionaries detained in North Korea. The attendees joined together in prayer for the swift release and repatriation of those detained and for peace on the Korean peninsula.

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