Korea’s Repeated ‘Coercive Conversion Program’ Issue - Why Change Is Needed Now
The Coercive Conversion Program in Korea which is long treated domestically as a ‘family matter’ has now become a clear human rights issue in the eyes of the international community.
▎ How the international community views Korea
In 2019, the UN Human Rights Council stated that Korea is ‘the only democratic nation where the coercive conversion program is tolerated. This warning stemmed from numerous cases involving kidnapping, confinement, physical assault, and even death. International NGOs have emphasized that this is not a theological dispute but a violation of constitutional rights—and they are urging the Korean government to act.
▎ The Myth of “Brainwashing” and Academic Conclusions
The coercive conversion program was often justified using “brainwashing theory,” but scholars worldwide have proven that such theories lack scientific validity. Research consistently shows that individuals freely choose or leave their faith and that “irresistible brainwashing” does not exist. In the U.S., the violent deprogramming industry collapsed under legal and social scrutiny.
▎ The Danger Created by Social and Governmental Silence
A 2018 death related to the coercive conversion program triggered global protests and even a full-page advertisement in The New York Times. Victims have reported kidnapping, confinement, assault, forced medication, and disruptions to education and employment. It is especially concerning that women and young adults are disproportionately targeted. Because these acts often occur within families, victims struggle to report them—and governmental silence ends up enabling further harm.
▎ What Korea Must Do Now
Solving this issue requires joint responsibility from the government, religious communities, media, and civil society. The government must conduct full investigations, enforce effective penalties, establish protection systems, and implement prevention measures. Religious groups should abandon coercive practices justified by labeling others as “heresy” and adopt ethical standards banning forced counseling or coercive conversion. Media and civil society must label these acts correctly as crimes and human rights violations while maintaining strict victim protection standards.
▎ Time for Korea to Answer the Questions Raised Globally
The world is already asking Korea: “Why is nothing being investigated? Why is nothing being stopped? Why is no one held accountable?” It is time for Korea to respond. Korea must take responsible action to ensure such tragedies never happen again.
Reference : https://vo.la/5dtVOZa
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