Episode Overview

Podcast: Breakpoint
Host: John Stonestreet, Colson Center
Episode: Pastor Son's Trial and the Crisis in South Korea
Date: January 20, 2026

This episode examines the imprisonment of Pastor Son, the lead pastor of Seguero Church in Busan, South Korea, and connects his legal struggles to broader themes of religious freedom, cultural change, and government overreach. John Stonestreet uses this story to warn about threats to Christian engagement in politics and culture, drawing parallels to similar cases in the US and stressing the importance of courage and prayer in the face of persecution.

Main Discussion Points and Insights

1. Vibrant Community Amidst Social Crisis (00:01–01:20)

• Seguero Church Growth: From 20 members a few decades ago to a thriving community on a 23-acre site.
  • "It's an appropriate song for a congregation that's grown so dramatically, from about 20 members a few decades ago to a 23 acre camp now buzzing with life and activity." – John Stonestreet (00:27)
• Outreach and Social Contributions: Weekly free lunches and free wedding banquets address South Korea's declining marriage and fertility rates, making the church a focal point for young families and celebrations.
  • "It's a practice...that makes it possible for the church to also offer meals for wedding celebrations...at no charge." (00:51)
• Education: The church founded a Christian school, demonstrating a proactive approach to societal and faith challenges.

2. Pastor Son’s Imprisonment and Courage (01:21–02:35)

• Legal Troubles: Pastor Son imprisoned since August, charged with election interference, possibly due to his public criticism of South Korea’s administration and stance against progressive policies (including pro-LGBTQ measures).
  • "Since August, the lead pastor of Seguero Church, Pastor Son, has been in prison, accused by the government of election interference." (01:27)
• Personal Impact and Resilience: Despite imprisonment, Pastor Son remains a spiritual leader—writing a book, evangelizing fellow inmates, and inspiring his family and church community.
  • "I visited Pastor Son this past week, hoping to encourage him. Instead, he encouraged me... He gave me courage." (01:44)
• Wider Persecution: Other church leaders also reportedly targeted by the state; Pastor Son’s wife spends nights praying at the church.

3. Government Intimidation and Religious Freedom (02:36–03:20)

• Severity of Charges: Although at worst Pastor Son might have violated South Korean election law (typically a fine), he has faced 16 charges and is held without sentencing.
  • "The intent of the government here is clear... The process is the punishment. It's meant to elicit fear and to silence other dissent." (02:24)
• Mixed Christian Responses: Some Christian leaders have spoken out, while others remain silent, wary of political involvement.
  • "I asked one of the pastor's children if the government's attempts at intimidation was actually working... Many had spoken out, I was told. Many others had not." (02:41)

4. Contrasts Between North and South Korea (03:21–03:50)

• North Korea: Stark lack of religious freedom—possession of a Bible can lead to a life sentence in labor camps.
• South Korea: Considerable economic growth and religious liberty, yet now under threat, making Pastor Son’s case particularly concerning.
  • "South Korea... is an economic miracle. Industry, infrastructure, innovation all abound... South Koreans have every reason to sing of the goodness of God. And that's why they also have every reason to be concerned by the outrageous treatment of Pastor Son." (03:36)

5. American Parallels and Warnings (03:51–04:25)

• Freedom of Worship vs. Freedom of Religion: References Chuck Colson’s warning that reducing religious freedom to mere 'freedom of worship' erodes the right to publicly practice deeply held beliefs.
  • "Colson said, [there's] an essential difference... between the freedom to order one's public life around deeply held convictions and of merely allowing someone to believe... in their own heads hearts, homes and and houses of worship." (03:59)
• US Courts and Threats: Notes US courts have mostly upheld full religious freedom, but only after much political resistance—suggesting a parallel with current South Korean events.

6. Call to Prayer and Action (04:26–04:50)

• Support for Pastor Son: Urges listeners to pray for Pastor Son, his family, and his church, and to sign a petition calling for US governmental advocacy.
  • "Please pray for Pastor Son, for his wife, for his children. Pray for the leaders and members of Segaro Church..." (04:30)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Church’s Faithfulness
  "All my life you have been faithful. All my life you have been so, so good. I will sing of the goodness of God." – Congregation song quotation, setting the emotional tone (00:18)

• On Government Intimidation
  "The process is the punishment. It's meant to elicit fear and to silence other dissent." – John Stonestreet (02:24)

• On the True Threat
  "It’ll be because of both progressive lawmakers who hope to sideline all religious resistance to their agenda, and also because of Christians who were willing to have their own convictions sidelined. And that would be quite a tragedy for this beacon of freedom in Asia." – John Stonestreet (04:19)

• On True Religious Freedom
  "...an essential difference, Colson said, between the freedom to order one's public life around deeply held convictions and of merely allowing someone to believe what they want in their own heads [and] hearts..." (03:58)

Key Timestamps

• 00:01–01:20 – Introduction, overview of Seguero Church’s impact and growth
• 01:21–02:35 – Detail on Pastor Son’s arrest, personal impact, and ongoing ministry
• 02:36–03:20 – Examination of government intimidation and reactions within the Christian community
• 03:21–03:50 – Contrasts between North and South Korea regarding religious freedom
• 03:51–04:25 – Reflections on religious liberty language and US precedents
• 04:26–04:50 – Call to prayer, action, and support for Pastor Son and his church

Summary

This Breakpoint episode, hosted by John Stonestreet, blends stirring storytelling with sharp cultural observation. Pastor Son's story becomes a lens for understanding the fragility and importance of religious freedom in South Korea—a nation at a cultural crossroads. With a tone of deep concern but resilient hope, Stonestreet encourages listeners to support embattled believers abroad and to recognize the crucial distinction between private faith and public witness. The episode closes with an urgent call to prayer and practical action, keeping the tone personal and direct throughout.