“Church and Far-Right Politics: The Radicalization of Conservative Protestantism in South Korea”

Throughout South Korea’s modern history, the intersection between religion and politics has played a significant role in shaping political movements. Protestantism, in particular, has influenced both progressive and conservative social movements. However, in recent decades, segments of the conservative Protestant groups have increasingly aligned with far-right politics, expressing hostility toward progressive social policies, and holding a highly nationalist, anti-communist, and exclusionary ideology.

The socio-political dynamics between conservative Protestant groups and far-right politics have been evident in recent social turmoil in South Korea. President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached and charged with insurrection regarding his failed attempt to declare martial law declaration on December 3, 2024. Yoon’s attempt at martial law has plunged the country into political crisis. Amid a social and political upheaval, Christian churches are deeply divided, with some factions using radical political rhetoric in support of Yoon. Extremist religious leaders, such as Jeon Kwang Hoon and his Sarang Jeil Church, have played a central role in far-right mobilization. The radicalization of these groups has had profound implications for South Korea’s democracy, exacerbating polarization, challenging institutional stability, and collapsing trust in democratic processes. 

The rise of far-right Protestant groups in South Korea can be attributed to multiple factors, including socio-political changes, economic anxieties, and theological shifts. Since the mid-2010s, these groups have gained traction with the rise of the so-called “Protestant right,” which has played a key role in conservative civil movements such as the “Taegukgi” rallies. Also, the emergence of megachurches in urban centers has transformed religious institutions into significant power brokers in both political and economic spheres. While these churches initially positioned themselves as spiritual and moral leaders, they have increasingly become platforms for nationalist rhetoric, conservative activism, and opposition to perceived threats such as feminism, LGBTQIA+ rights, Islam.

This study situates South Korea’s far-right Protestant movement with a broader socio-political context, raising questions including: How have far-right Protestant groups mobilized around the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol? What historical patterns of political engagement can be observed within these groups? In what ways have they perpetuated systems of oppression in Korean society? How should the relationship between religion and politics in South Korea be redefined? By addressing these questions, I seek to contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between religion and politics within Korean society. Ultimately, I aim to examine the challenges posed by the politicization of religion and provide insights into potential pathways for promoting a more inclusive and liberative religious and political environment.