Pastor Jun Kwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church, suspected of being behind the disturbance at the Seoul Western District Court, was arrested on the 13th.
Kim Hyeong-seok, the Director General judge in charge of warrants at the Seoul Western District Court, issued an arrest warrant after holding a pretrial detention hearing for the suspect on charges of inciting unlawful entry into a special building. Kim said the warrant was issued because "there is a concern about destroying evidence and fleeing."
Prosecutors say Jun engaged in psychological control ("gaslighting") under the guise of faith and funded close aides and conservative YouTubers to incite the Jan. 19 disturbance at the Western District Court by supporters of former President Yoon Suk-yeol last year.
Earlier, the Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office requested an arrest warrant from the court for Jun, following a police application. Prosecutors did not seek a warrant for Shin Hye-sik, the operator of the YouTube channel "God's Grace," for whom a warrant application had also been made.
Jun has denied the allegations. Appearing for the warrant hearing, Jun told reporters, "What I always stress is not to clash with the police and not to confront left-wing rally participants," adding, "We have had no incidents or accidents for 7–8 years."
After the warrant was issued, Sarang Jeil Church expressed "deep regret" and "strong anger." In a statement, the church said, "This decision can only be seen not as a judgment based on law and evidence, but as the result of political pressure and sensitivity to public opinion."
It continued, "Investigators have already said they secured all necessary evidence, including witness statements, video materials and communication records, and Jun has faithfully cooperated throughout the process," adding, "There is no risk of evidence destruction and no possibility of flight."
Sarang Jeil Church said, "The court's choice of the extreme measure of detention squarely denies the fundamental principle of criminal justice that favors investigation without detention," adding, "We will respond steadfastly to uphold the rule of law and constitutional order."