Global Uproar Over Violations of Religious Freedom and Rising Intolerance
Washingtoner/10274242

SYDNEY - Washingtoner -- On October 29th, an administrative decision by a South Korean government agency sparked international controversy, raising concerns about religious freedom and causing substantial financial loss.

The "Religious Leaders Forum and Graduation Ceremony," a joint initiative by two prominent religious organizations, was set to take place in Paju, South Korea. The event was expected to draw over 30,000 participants from 57 countries, including 1,000 religious leaders representing Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism.

However, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, a public entity under Gyeonggi Province, abruptly canceled the venue rental without prior notice. This last-minute decision has resulted in significant financial damage to the international event. Organizers of this event stated that the cancellation constitutes an unconstitutional act of discrimination against a specific religion, violating religious freedom, human rights, and due process of law.

More on Washingtoner

• Art of Whiskey Hosts 3rd Annual San Francisco Tasting Experience During Super Bowl Week
• PADT Earns Prestigious 2025 Americas Customer Loyalty Award from Ansys, Part of Synopsys
• Florida Keys Visitors Can Save 15 Percent With KeysCaribbean's Advanced Booking Discount
• Tacoma: Nominations Open Now Through March 17 for 2026 Historic Preservation Awards
• Sleep Basil Unveils Revamped Natural Latex Mattress Collection Page for Cooler, Cleaner, Better-Aligned Sleep

The hosting organizations, the Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea and Shincheonji Church of Jesus, said that they had received official confirmation on October 23rd and 28th that there was no plan of cancellation. They also said that the unilateral cancellation was an unreasonable administrative action targeting a specific religious group. They further emphasize that other events scheduled for the same day were not affected, suggesting that the cancellation was "administrative decision caused by opposition from a specific religious group," which "violates the principle of separation of church and state guaranteed by the Constitution."

The Gyeonggi Tourism Organization cited security concerns related to recent North Korean actions and the planned activities of a North Korean defector group as reasons for the cancellation. However, it was pointed out that other events, such as civilian bike rides and foreign tourist visits to the DMZ, were permitted within the same designated area.

More on Washingtoner

• Conexwest Delivers Custom Shipping Container MRI Lab, Saving California Hospital an Estimated $9 Million in Renovation Costs
• New Ordinance Would Prohibit Use of Private Property for Detention Facilities in Spokane
• Announcing the Winners of the 2026 Best of Northwest Travel
• Tacoma: Street Closures Projected to Start the Week of February 23 for Residential Street Restoration Program Maintenance Work
• City of Tacoma Expands Garbage Can Program in Response to Community Feedback

The incident has reignited international debate about religious freedom and tolerance in South Korea. The U.S. State Department's International Religious Freedom Report has previously highlighted concerns such as the prosecution of Shincheonji Church of Jesus and the government's refusal to approve mosque construction.

The Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea and Shincheonji Church of Jesus call upon the South Korean government to respect religious freedom, uphold human rights, and rectify this unjust decision. They urge international organizations to monitor this situation and take appropriate action to protect religious freedom.