Pastor Jun Kwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church, accused of masterminding the Seoul Western District Court riot, denied all charges at his first trial.
The criminal division of Seoul Western District Court, presided over by Senior Judge Park Ji-won, held the first hearing at 10:30 a.m. on the 27th for Pastor Jun, who faces charges including incitement to special trespass on a building.
Pastor Jun was indicted and detained on charges of inciting supporters to storm the Western District Court in the early morning of January 19 last year, shortly after former President Yoon Suk-yeol's arrest, where they destroyed property and assaulted police officers. Prosecutors presented charges stating that Pastor Jun incited the court riot, citing his remarks at a Gwanghwamun rally last year that "the people's right to resistance must be realized" to secure former President Yoon's release.
Speaking publicly for the first time since his detention, Pastor Jun denied the charges against him. His defense team stated, "He was asleep at 3 a.m. when the incident occurred," adding, "He learned of the Western District Court riot at the airport while heading to catch a flight for the next day's schedule." The defense further argued, "Advocating for the people's right to resistance is lawful content" and "an expression used across the political spectrum and establishment, regardless of left or right."
After hearing Pastor Jun's arguments, the court pointed out that the criminal acts of the "principal offenders" who allegedly rioted under his incitement were not specified, telling prosecutors, "We would like you to review the charges." The court added, "It is not specified what crimes each principal offender committed or how many police officers were assaulted," and "It is also unclear what specific incitement Pastor Jun provided."
At the bail hearing immediately following the first trial, Pastor Jun's attorney listed his medical conditions including ligament calcification, disc problems, and heart surgery history, claiming, "There is not a single healthy part of his body from head to toe, and it is a miracle he is alive." Prosecutors opposed bail. In his final statement, Pastor Jun said, "I earnestly request that you release me promptly."
The court did not issue an immediate ruling on bail. The next trial for Pastor Jun is scheduled for April 17.