Shin Hye-sik, the representative of the conservative YouTube channel 'God's One Move,' filed a public interest report regarding the allegation of the Yoon Suk-yeol government's presidential office mobilizing civilians for protests; however, it has been confirmed that he retains his status as a suspect in the investigation related to the riot incident at the Seoul Western District Court.
A Seoul police agency official stated at a regular press briefing on the 11th, "Since there are criminal facts and he has been booked as a suspect, (Shin) will not be able to escape his suspect status," and added that the police are investigating seven individuals, including Jeon Kwang-hoon, pastor of Sarang Jeil Church, and Shin, who is an associate of the former pastor, in connection with the riot incident that occurred at the Western District Court on Jan. 19.
Shin's side announced through a media notice the day before that they had reported 'former President's office civil society senior secretary Seong Sam-young, Yoon's former presidential lawyers Seok Dong-hyun and Bae Ui-cheol, and People Power Party lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun' in the public interest. They further added, "We ask that a decision be made to recognize Mr. Shin as a whistleblower so he can receive immunity." In response to this demand from Shin's side, the police made it clear that the investigation and the public interest report are separate matters.
Meanwhile, the police have additionally booked the former pastor on charges of embezzlement. The police believe that the former pastor funded those involved in the riot with church funds and used YouTubers like Shin to expand their influence broadly. It is reported that the Sarang Jeil Church has supported legal fees and deposited funds for those who were involved in the riot incident being tried since February.
A police official noted, "It is difficult to understand how, even if the church has a purpose, it provided funds to those involved in the riot and infiltrated the courts, which are the stronghold of democracy, instead of supporting student movements," and added that they have additionally applied embezzlement charges earlier this month.
The police are also reportedly reviewing charges of complicity in crimes using religious faith. The former pastor and others have claimed that before the incident at the Western District Court, they should exercise 'the people's right to resistance' while advocating for the former president, and they believe that they led those involved in the riot to commit illegal acts by leveraging religious faith.
Specifically, they reported that the former pastor established psychological dominance over 'special missionaries' involved in the incident at the Western District Court by using gaslighting and providing financial support.
Accordingly, charges will be applied against the former pastor for ▲special building invasion and special obstruction of official duties ▲embezzlement ▲violation of the assembly law.
A police official stated, "We are currently analyzing the seized materials," and added, "The suspects will be summoned sequentially for questioning at the appropriate times."