Governmental Response to ‘COVID-19’ and Religious Freedom in Korea as Compared to the United States

Abstract

During the COVID-19 crisis, the Korean government’s restrictions on religious freedom have caused several reactions. These can be divided into two categories: first, as several Christian groups have become the center of controversy over exacerbating the spread of COVID-19, the public sentiment towards religious gatherings has lost favorability. Second, there had been an increase in resistance to Christian groups and their right to worship. Regarding these issues, although the resistance from religious groups has not been as prominent as in the West, it is believed by both Korea and the West that the conflict between state power and religious right is at the root of this problem. This study reviews the Korean government’s restrictions on religious activities and the consequent resistance of churches from a legal and institutional angle. In addition, this study compares the Korean approach to that of the United States in terms of governmental measures, the resistance of churches, and judgments issued by the judiciary. After demonstrating stronger restrictions in the case of Korea, this study evaluates this response in terms of legal and religious pluralism, and suggests that more sophisticated legal and institutional supplementation is needed to establish a robust and viable religious governance based on diversity and mutual respect.