Pastor Jun Kwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church, who was released on bail for reasons including hospital treatment, has filed a suit to lift his travel ban in order to visit the United States.
According to Sarang Jeil Church on the 11th, Pastor Jun held a press conference that day and said he had filed a lawsuit against the Minister of the Ministry of Justice to lift the travel ban. The related hearing is scheduled to be held at Suwon District Court on the 20th.
Jun's side said that if the court accepts the lifting of the travel ban, they plan to also apply to the panel for permission to visit the United States. Attorney Kang Yeon-jae told reporters after the press conference that "if the travel ban is lifted, the remaining step is to seek permission from the panel," adding, "even if we apply, it will likely be after June."
Regarding the purpose of the U.S. visit, Jun said, "Even the FBI and the CIA in the United States do not know well about Korea's weak points," adding, "if I am allowed two weeks (to travel), I intend to go to the United States." In a video address to the Gwanghwamun rally the previous day, Jun also said, "I will seek permission from the panel to send me to the United States for two weeks," adding, "I intend to go through Pastor Paula White to meet President Donald Trump."
Jun was identified as the figure behind the disturbance at Seoul Western District Court, was indicted and detained, and last month was allowed to stand trial without detention. Since his release, he has continued to make public remarks through the Gwanghwamun rallies and worship services.
In response to criticism that this violated his bail conditions, Jun countered that this was not true. He said, "The bail condition set by the panel is that I must not meet with the seven principal offenders in the case, and I am strictly complying with this."
Attorney Kang also explained, "The residential restriction as a bail condition means staying at one's home; it is not house arrest that limits activities, and travel is possible after notification."