Son Hyun-bo, the senior pastor of Segyero Church in Busan, who was released after receiving a sentence of six months in prison suspended for one year, speaks his mind in front of the Busan District Court in Yeonje-gu, Busan on the morning of the 30th. [Photo=Yonhap News]

The pastor, released after 143 days following a sentence of six months in prison suspended for one year for violations of the Public Official Election Act, issued a statement on the 30th.

Pastor Son was put on trial for allegedly broadcasting a live YouTube video last March, during which he held a dialogue with Jung Seung-yoon, a conservative candidate, at his church ahead of the Busan Superintendent of Education by-election.

Pastor Son's side argued for his innocence, stating, "As a pastor, he was expressing his religious beliefs while delivering a sermon during a service." However, the court cited, "The defendant repeatedly engaged in illegal election campaigning by exploiting the opportunity of religious services and sermons, indicating a poor disposition."

Meanwhile, the case became a diplomatic concern. On the 23rd, U.S. Vice President JD Vance expressed concern over Pastor Son's detention during a meeting with South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok at the White House.

Immediately after the sentencing, Pastor Son said, "I am grateful to Secretary Rubio and Vice President Vance for inviting my family to the White House and listening to my story fully," and added, "I am also truly grateful to the 10,000 American pastors who helped with my release at the scene at that time."

He continued, "The separation of church and state means the state cannot interfere with the worship and faith of the church, not the other way around where the church's voice is silenced. This is a matter of freedom. I will appeal immediately."

Meanwhile, Pastor Son is also the representative of 'Save Korea,' a Protestant group that held a rally opposing President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment early last year.

The following is the full text of Pastor Son Hyun-bo's statement released after the sentencing.

This is Pastor Son Hyun-bo.

I sincerely thank all the congregants who prayed with me every day outside the detention center, at church, and in their respective places throughout the cold winter.

This morning, the verdict was delivered: six months in prison suspended for 12 months, and as a result, I am now able to return to my home and church.

However, our Segyero Church intends to make our stance clear through an appeal.

The moment the state dictates which sermons are permissible and which are not, which words are allowed and which are forbidden, that is no longer the freedom guaranteed by the constitution.

Just as I did during the COVID-19 period, I will defend my faith to the end, even if I am alone.

We all leave this world someday. I wish to be unashamed when I stand before God on that day.

Truth does not crumble, and the Bible does not change. No matter how much flowers are plucked and trampled, the arrival of spring cannot be stopped.

Thank you for being with me until the end.

Go Segyero Church! Go Korean Church!