Gyeonggi Province and Gyeonggi Tourism Organization Apologize for Same-Day Venue Cancellation
Washingtoner/10275391

SYDNEY - Washingtoner --

• Meeting held with Gyeonggi Province and Gyeonggi Tourism Organization officials after a protest on the 15th
• No response to the demand for an official stance from Governor Kim Dong-yeon
• "If Governor Kim Dong-yeon does not issue an apology or take responsibility, protests will continue"

Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization expressed regret for canceling the "Religious Leaders Forum and Completion Ceremony" scheduled at Paju Imjingak Peace Nuri on October 30, with notice given on October 29, the day of the venue rental. However, they reiterated their previous explanation that the decision was made due to security concerns.

On November 15, the Shincheonji Church of Jesus held a "Protest Rally Against Religious Oppression and Discrimination" at noon in front of Gyeonggi Provincial Office. They submitted a letter of protest and held a meeting attended by Shincheonji's Chief Public Relations Officer, Gyeonggi Province's Director of Culture and Sports, and Gyeonggi Tourism Organization's Planning and Coordination Officer.

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After the meeting, Chief Public Relations Officer Song Jae-woong stated in front of the lobby, "While Gyeonggi Province and the Tourism Organization explained that the cancellation was an urgent measure for public safety, they also expressed their regret for notifying us at such short notice on the day of the event."

He added, "We requested an official statement of responsibility from Governor Kim Dong-yeon, but no response was given."

Regarding future plans, the Chief Public Relations Officer explained, "The unfair decision to cancel the event on the same day was made under the direction of Governor Kim Dong-yeon. If he does not apologize or take responsibility, we will continue our protest rallies."

A Shincheonji Church official commented, "Who in South Korea would disagree with the importance of national security? Shincheonji Church members are also citizens of this nation. However, after multiple meetings and confirmations, the venue management assured us until the day before that there was no consideration of cancellation. The sudden cancellation on the morning of the event under Gyeonggi Province's directive is unacceptable."

He further criticized, "After a rally held by the Metropolitan Christian Council of Korea (MCCK), Governor Kim Dong-yeon made the decision to cancel the venue rental. This is clearly religious bias and discriminatory oppression against Shincheonji Church. Why is the decision-maker himself not providing any explanation?"

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During the protest rally the previous day, participants stated, "Article 20 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion for all citizens, prohibits the establishment of a state religion, and mandates the separation of religion and politics. Gyeonggi Province and the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, however, aligned themselves with MCCK to oppress Shincheonji Church unfairly. This violates the Constitution and is a clear illegality. An administrator tasked with adhering to the law and principles has violated the Constitution."

Shincheonji Church announced that it would continue relay protests in front of the Gyeonggi Provincial Office and Gyeonggi Tourism Organization until Governor Kim and the organization issue an official statement of responsibility, an apology, and compensation for damages incurred.

http://www.shincheonji.org