With approximately 2000 reported cases of forced conversion involving members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus over the past two decades, concerns are mounting over whether the constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and human dignity are being adequately upheld. A “Human Rights Special” published by the South Korean daily newspaper Cheonji Ilbo examines alleged cases of illegal forced conversion conducted under the guise of “cult counselling,” while exploring the broader systemic issues and legal and institutional gaps that may allow such practices to continue.

Article 20, Paragraph 1 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea guarantees freedom of religion to all citizens. The choice to adopt, practice, or maintain a faith is a personal decision. However, this fundamental right can be undermined when family pressure and religious conflict restrict individual freedom.

According to data from the World Solidarity for Religious Freedom and Human Rights, formerly known as the Solidarity for Victims of Religious Freedom and Human Rights, 682 cases of harm were reported between 2018 and 2022: 131 in 2018, 127 in 2019, 191 in 2020, 136 in 2021, and 97 in 2022.

Reports increased by more than 50% in 2020, coinciding with the COVID-19 outbreak and heightened public criticism of Shincheonji. These circumstances raise concerns that social tensions contributed to family pressure on church members and attempts to force them to abandon their faith. Although reports subsequently declined, cases continued each year.

Reported forced conversion methods extend beyond verbal persuasion. Cumulative figures from 2003 to May 2022, including duplicate counts across categories, recorded 1237 cases of confinement, 985 cases of kidnapping, and 861 cases of assault. The data also included 1338 cases involving forced leave from school or work, 43 cases of forced divorce, 13 cases of involuntary psychiatric hospitalisation, and five reported deaths.

Women accounted for 74% of reported victims. People in their 20s represented 72%, while those in their 30s accounted for 13%, together comprising 85% of the total.

In 2022, women accounted for 92 of the 97 reported victims. Women in their 20s and 30s represented 85.6% of all cases that year. In 2025, a further 58 cases of harm, including one death, were recorded.

According to a document titled 2025 Status of Damages Caused by Forced Conversion, allegations of coercion and restrictions on personal freedom continued last year.

Park, a 24-year-old woman from Chungju, North Chungcheong Province, reportedly said her parents followed her before detaining her at their home for three days, subjecting her to verbal abuse and pressuring her to abandon her faith.

Choi, a 32-year-old woman from Daegu, alleged that family pressure forced her to change residences. She also reportedly faced demands to pay one million won monthly on the condition that she maintain her faith, alongside restrictions including mobile phone inspections and real-time location tracking.

Kim, a 34-year-old man from Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, reportedly experienced financial and physical pressure involving family relationships and property matters.

These accounts are based on victims' statements and require independent investigation and judicial verification. However, they raise concerns about coercion and restrictions on individual freedom.

In June 2021, a man in his 20s was reportedly rescued by police and firefighters from an officetel in Suyeong District, Busan, after being held for 18 days. His parents had allegedly taken away his mobile phone.

Another widely reported case involved Ji-in Gu, a former Shincheonji member who died in 2018 after reportedly experiencing violence and pressure from her parents during forced conversion counselling. Her death prompted public concern about coercive conversion practices.

Although public attitudes towards Shincheonji remain divided, criticism of a religious organisation or its teachings does not justify unlawful confinement, assault, kidnapping, or intimidation.

The reported cases highlight the need to distinguish family or religious disagreements from conduct that may violate the law. Freedom of religion includes the right to choose one's beliefs without coercion, and alleged violations should be investigated regardless of the religious affiliation involved.

Sang-kyum Kim, a constitutional law scholar and professor at Dongguk University, emphasised that forcing individuals to abandon their faith or adopt another religion may violate constitutionally protected religious freedom.

“Acts of rejecting faith or forcing conversion to another religion on the grounds of believing in a specific religion directly infringe upon the freedom of religion guaranteed by the Constitution,” Kim said, adding that coercive conduct may also be punishable under the Criminal Act.

He explained that family members, religious leaders, or others who engage in coercion or instigate unlawful acts may face criminal liability where legal requirements are met. Kim urged victims to preserve evidence, including statements, recordings, and relevant documents, and report suspected violations to investigative authorities.

He also stressed that public officials must remain religiously neutral and enforce the law impartially, regardless of an individual's faith.

“Disliking a specific religion and committing crimes against its followers are completely different issues,” Kim said, calling for fair investigations and appropriate legal consequences in accordance with the law.