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Conservative Pastor Jeon Kwang‑hoon Indicted for Instigating 2025 Seoul Courthouse Riot

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  • This file photo, taken Jan. 13, 2026, shows Jeon Kwang-hoon, a conservative activist pastor, answering reporters' questions before attending his arrest warrant hearing at the Seoul Western District Court. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    This file photo, taken Jan. 13, 2026, shows Jeon Kwang-hoon, a conservative activist pastor, answering reporters' questions before attending his arrest warrant hearing at the Seoul Western District Court. (Yonhap) Source Full size

Indictment Filed by Seoul Western District Prosecutors On Feb 3, 2026 prosecutors formally indicted Pastor Jeon Kwang‑hoon for his alleged role in the Jan 19, 2025 courthouse riot. The indictment lists charges of instigating trespassing, obstructing public duties, and violating the Assembly and Demonstration Act. Authorities say Jeon directed supporters of former President Yoon Suk‑yeol to march from Gwanghwamun Square toward the Seoul Western District Court on Jan 18, 2025, encouraging a “right of resistance.” [1]

Charges Detail Protest Coordination and Traffic Obstruction Prosecutors allege Jeon organized protesters to occupy an eight‑lane road in front of the court, disrupting traffic and public order. The indictment includes counts of instigating trespassing in special buildings and obstructing the duties of public officials. Additional violations cite the Assembly and Demonstration Act for unlawful assembly and demonstration activities. [1]

Arrest Warrant Issued Prior to Indictment court‑issued arrest warrant on Jan 13, 2026 labeled Jeon a flight risk and accused him of evidence tampering. The warrant followed his earlier arrest in January 2026 after investigators linked him to the 2025 violence. A photo taken Jan 13, 2026 shows Jeon speaking to reporters before his hearing. [1]

Background of the Jan 19, 2025 Court Violence The riot erupted after the Seoul Western District Court extended former President Yoon’s detention over his December 2024 martial‑law declaration. Protesters, allegedly mobilized by Jeon, stormed the courthouse, resulting in clashes with police and damage to the building. The incident intensified scrutiny of right‑wing political activism in South Korea. [1]

Sources

Timeline

Dec 3, 2024 – Former President Yoon Suk Yeol declares martial law, a move that later fuels legal battles and political unrest in South Korea [1].

Jan 2025 (early) – The Seoul Western District Court extends Yoon’s detention over his December 2024 martial‑law declaration, intensifying anger among his supporters [1].

Jan 19, 2025 – Pro‑Yoon demonstrators, allegedly directed by pastor Jeon Kwang‑hoon, storm the Seoul Western District Court, trespassing, assaulting officers and blocking an eight‑lane road; the violence triggers a large‑scale criminal probe [1].

2017 & 2020 – Jeon Kwang‑hoon is arrested twice for illegal election campaigning, establishing a history of politically motivated activism linked to his Sarang Jeil Church leadership [2].

Dec 2025 – Prosecutors finalize indictments against 141 participants in the Jan 19, 2025 courthouse riot, reflecting a broad crackdown on the protest network [2].

Jan 8, 2026 – Prosecutors file an arrest‑warrant request accusing Jeon of inciting trespassing, obstructing official duties, and violating the Assembly and Demonstration Act during the Jan 19, 2025 riot [4].

Jan 13, 2026 – The Seoul Western District Court issues an arrest warrant for Jeon, labeling him a flight‑risk and ordering detention pending a ruling; prosecutors allege he urged participants to exercise a “right of resistance” [2][4].

Jan 13, 2026 (morning) – Jeon appears at the hearing, denies all charges, and claims the case is politically motivated, stating “a left‑leaning presidency is targeting me” [2].

Jan 13, 2026 (afternoon) – Police place Jeon in detention; officials indicate a decision on his custody will be announced “later on Tuesday night at the earliest” [3].

Feb 3, 2026 – Prosecutors formally indict Jeon on multiple counts, including instigating trespassing, obstructing public duties, and violating the Assembly and Demonstration Act, following his earlier arrest and hearing [1].

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