It is to the utter shame of this country - a 'liberal democracy' where 'freedom of religion' is enshrined within the Constitution - that cases like the late Ms. Gu's occur. Ms. Gu was the second congregant of Shincheonji Church who was murdered while undergoing coercive conversion.

Shincheonji Church is treated like a vile criminal, even though it has not committed any crime, reflecting the outright moral depravity of certain parties with vested interests.

The victims of coercive conversion are few and socially ostracised. Fear of discrimination makes it very difficult to openly reveal one's life of faith in Shincheonji Church. The majority of reports of coercive conversion made to the police, as well as appeals to the National Human Rights Commission of Korea, are dismissed as a "family", or "religious matter". It is neglect by the law in this country amid a climate  of severe religious oppression that kills people.

The current situation is absurd. The government and public authorities, which should safeguard the rights of the people, have repeatedly scapegoated this minority faith in order to secure "votes" while religious discrimination continues unabated. This has become an attempt to justify the actions of religious persecutors, which is nonsense.

The most effective way to combat human rights violations such as forced conversion is through severe legal punishment for the perpetrator. Children over the age of 20 are adults with the right to self-determination which must be respected. No one has the right to kill or, through violence, force conversion upon another because of the differing beliefs of parents or family members. Moreover, freedom of religion is a natural human right, and President Moon Jae-in has promised to strengthen basic rights. The corrupt and backward politics where a world without discrimination is called for, yet 'religious freedom' is promoted on their own terms, must cease. Although much time has passed, the National Human Rights Commission of Korea must clarify the reality of forced conversion, which tramples on peoples' human rights through religious discrimination, and make swift improvements.