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| Márk Nemes, Deputy Director of the Center for New Religions Research (CESNUR) is speaking at a press conference titled 'Religious and Expression Freedom in the Republic of Korea: International Concerns and Perspectives' held at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents Club in the Korea Press Center, Jung-gu, Seoul on 7th August |
Márk Nemes, Deputy Director of the Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR), described his recent visit to Korea as “revealing,” saying firsthand meetings and field visits provided perspectives that cannot be gained from public information alone. He said he plans to continue researching Shincheonji and religious freedom based on what he observed.
Nemes spoke at a 7th July press conference in Seoul on religious and expression freedoms in Korea, where he also discussed cases involving Shincheonji in Europe, Argentina and Australia. He said the event successfully raised awareness of religious-freedom concerns, but stressed that continued discussion and research are needed.
He also emphasised that Shincheonji’s peace-related activities should be viewed as collective efforts involving members worldwide, rather than attributed solely to its leader.
Media and Government Have a Role
Nemes identified several reasons why minority religions often receive limited or one-sided coverage. Competition for views can encourage sensational reporting, while short-form content has made audiences less likely to engage with complex issues such as religious freedom.
He said readers also have a responsibility to seek balanced information, while governments and public institutions should help prevent discrimination and persecution of minority groups.
“The media must not become a source of incitement that fuels social conflict and tension,” he said.
Continuing Academic Research
Following his visit, Nemes said he would review relevant reports, publish academic research and continue studying Shincheonji. He expressed concern that overly negative public portrayals can obscure the diversity and reality of religious communities.
“I want to contribute academically to making the very grey and monotonous image currently surrounding Shincheonji more vivid,” he said.
Nemes concluded that religious communities should be examined from multiple perspectives, using diverse evidence and firsthand research rather than relying on a single narrative.
Source: vo.la/avCjIYS
