Six close associates of Jun Kwang-hoon, pastor of Sarang Jeil Church, have been referred to prosecutors in connection with the riot at the Seoul Western District Court that erupted after supporters enraged by the issuance of an arrest warrant for former President Yoon Suk Yeol stormed the courthouse in the early hours of January 19 last year.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Security Investigation Division said Thursday that it referred Shin Hye-sik, head of the YouTube channel "Shinuihansu," and five others to prosecutors without detention on December 25 on charges including incitement of special trespass of a public building and obstruction of official duties.
Those referred reportedly include a senior pastor of Sarang Jeil Church surnamed Lee and a personal aide to Pastor Jun surnamed Nam.
The six are suspected of instigating the riot that broke out at the Seoul Western District Court on January 19 last year. Police believe the group managed conservative YouTubers through psychological manipulation, or gaslighting, leveraging religious devotion and financial support to encourage supporters to storm the courthouse.
However, Bae In-gyu, head of the New Men's Solidarity, who was initially identified as the "ringleader," was not referred to prosecutors after the allegations against him were not substantiated.