Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon, the leader of Sarangjeil Church, initially agreed to relocate the church in exchange for 50 billion won in compensation from the redevelopment association. However, he has now changed his stance and declared that he will not move the church. Pastor Jeon cited negative media coverage as the reason for his reversal. The church demanded compensation of 53.6 billion won, which is six times the appraisal value calculated by the city of Seoul. After losing multiple trials, the church finally received 50 billion won in compensation. Pastor Jeon expressed frustration with media reports that portrayed the church as exploitative, saying that the media was responsible for driving the negative narrative. He emphasized the importance of preserving religious sites, stating that the city ordinance reflects this principle. He also criticized the media’s reporting on the church’s attempt to purchase a building in the redevelopment area. The Seongbuk-gu Office disapproved the land transaction, and Pastor Jeon expressed frustration with how the media portrayed the situation.
Pastor Kwang-Hoon Jeon. <한겨레> data
Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon of Sarangjeil Church, who agreed to move after receiving 50 billion won in compensation from the redevelopment association, changed his stance and said, “I will not move the church.” Pastor Jeon held a press conference at Sarangjeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul on the 10th and said, “We agreed on 50 billion won (compensation) while suffering losses to provide convenience to the residents of the neighborhood.” Pastor Jeon cited critical reports from the media as the background for reversing the decision to relocate the church. Sarang Jeil Church, which was located in Jangwi District 10, which was designated as a redevelopment area in 2006, demanded compensation of 53.6 billion won, which is more than six times the appraisal value (8.2 billion won) calculated by the city of Seoul, and refused to relocate, drawing criticism for being “plumbing”. Afterwards, even after losing the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trials in the name-do lawsuit filed by the redevelopment association, he mobilized believers to prevent forced execution 6 times and endured, eventually receiving 50 billion won in compensation. However, Pastor Jeon asked back, “Are you saying that a church built in 1954 is a nuisance?” However, when I signed it for the convenience of the residents, (the press) said, ‘Pastor Jeon Kwang-Hoon pressured the residents and exploited 50 billion won.’” He said, “Why do I have to become an exploiter even after I agreed to 50 billion for you? It was all driven by the media,” he said. Pastor Jeon said, “If you look at the ordinance of the city of Seoul, it is a principle to keep religious sites. “Even the president cannot change,” he repeatedly emphasized, “if the redevelopment association needs a church (relocation), it is supposed to provide all the places the church wants, the size the church wants, and alternative facilities.” Regarding the criticism of Sarangjeil Church’s recent attempt to purchase a building in the redevelopment area, Pastor Jeon said, “How big is (Sarangjeil Church)? I bought a building (to prepare an alternative facility), but the reporters wrote it (wrong),” he criticized, saying, “All this responsibility must be taken by the media.” Previously, Sarang Jeil Church tried to purchase a sauna building and parking lot in Jangwi District 8 to be used as religious facilities, but it failed as the Seongbuk-gu Office disapproved the land transaction. By Shim Woo-sam, staff reporter wu32@hani.co.kr
Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon’s decision not to relocate Sarangjeil Church has caused a stir, with many criticizing his previous agreement to move the church after receiving 50 billion won in compensation. Pastor Jeon defended his decision by stating that the media portrayed him as an exploiter, even though he had agreed to the compensation for the convenience of the residents. He argued that it was the responsibility of the redevelopment association to provide all the necessary facilities for the church’s relocation. Despite the controversy, Pastor Jeon reiterated that it was a principle to keep religious sites according to the ordinance of the city of Seoul. This case raises important questions about the balance of power between religious institutions, communities, and redevelopment associations.