A Letter Urging U.S. Leadership to Act for Pastor Hyun-bo Son and Religious Freedom in South Korea

To President Donald J. Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio:

In 1993, Pastor Hyun-bo Son stepped in to lead a small, struggling church in Busan, South Korea. Through God’s faithfulness and his steadfast commitment to biblical truth, Segero Church (“To the World”) has grown to more than 10,000 members. Pastor Son has also emerged as one of the most influential Christian leaders in the nation. In 2024, he helped mobilize Koreans for the 10.27 United Worship to oppose the ‘Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Law’ in a historic Reformation Sunday.

Pastor Son’s ministry is grounded in deep love for God and country. As a former special forces soldier, he remains devoted to South Korea’s future. But because he has spoken out on national issues, challenged government policies, and voiced support for conservative candidates, Pastor Son now sits behind bars.

In September 2025, Pastor Son was arrested and jailed for:

• Leading a prayer at the office of a political figure;

• Offering a brief message of support to that leader; and

• Criticizing South Korea’s current president.

These acts are alleged to violate Korea’s Public Official Election Act, which restricts leaders—including pastors—from expressing political support to their members. While the law itself raises serious concerns for religious liberty, its enforcement has historically been limited to small fines—never imprisonment.

Yet the current administration has chosen to imprison Pastor Son and is seeking a sentence of at least one year. Even more alarming, the judiciary has upheld his pre-trial detention based on claims that he might flee or destroy evidence—accusations that are implausible given his deep community ties and the fact that every statement in question was openly posted online by Segero Church.

This is not an isolated incident. South Korea’s government has been accused of weaponizing the legal system against Christian leaders and political opponents through raids, investigations, and arrests. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned that,

“The intensifying assaults on religious liberty are a betrayal of the democratic principles that South Korea is meant to espouse.”

The United States has a long and costly history supporting South Korea’s democracy and religious freedom. Nearly 37,000 Americans gave their lives to defend South Korea and ensure its survival as a free nation. Today, that legacy is being tested not by foreign enemies, but by the erosion of fundamental freedoms inside South Korea itself.

We believe the United States must not remain silent.

As American citizens, pastors, and people of faith, we urgently request that you take action to:

1. Call for the immediate release of Pastor Hyun-bo Son;

2. Condemn the use of lawfare against Christian leaders and political dissenters in South Korea;

3. Use the diplomatic influence of the United States to ensure that South Korea upholds religious liberty, due process, and equal protection under the law.

Pastor Son is imprisoned for praying, preaching, and speaking publicly—rights that lie at the heart of every free society. His case represents a pivotal moment for religious freedom in a nation that has long been a close ally of the United States.

We ask you to act swiftly and decisively on behalf of Pastor Son, his family, and churches across South Korea who fear what may come next if this injustice goes unanswered.

Petition Signing Statement

I add my name in support of this letter urging the United States Leadership to take action in defense of Pastor Hyun-bo Son and religious liberty in South Korea.

By signing, I join citizens, pastors, and people of faith across this nation in calling for Pastor Son’s immediate release.

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