Pastor Son Hyun-bo, a conservative South Korean Christian leader and head of the Save Korea movement, recently met President Donald Trump at the White House along with his family. Son, who leads Busan’s World Church, reportedly thanked the White House for the invitation, although details of his conversation with Trump have not been released.
Son has become a prominent figure in South Korea’s conservative Christian movement. He organized rallies opposing the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol and has raised concerns with U.S. officials about proposed South Korean legislation involving religious organizations and anti-discrimination measures.
Son was jailed for 145 days and later sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for one year, following an indictment related to alleged illegal electioneering during South Korea’s presidential election. He has disputed the circumstances surrounding his prosecution. During his detention and trial, Son says U.S. diplomatic officials visited him several times, including an official who attended his trial.
Following his release on January 30, Son said his family had communicated with U.S. officials and that his case had received significant attention among American pastors. He also claimed that 10,000 U.S. pastors signed a petition supporting him.
The recent White House visit appears to represent a continuation of Son’s growing connections with American officials. He also visited the White House Faith Office, which works with religious and community organizations. Son has portrayed his imprisonment and subsequent meetings with U.S. officials as evidence that Christians should remain committed to Scripture and religious conviction despite government pressure.
