Jeon Hangil compares Yoon Suk-yeol to Jesus, sparking debate. Pastor Lee Ju-heon cites 2 Timothy to criticize, while public outrage grows over the controversial remark.
Details 🔍
Jeon Hangil’s Controversial Claim 🚨
On April 14, 2025, Korean history lecturer Jeon Hangil appeared on Channel A’s YouTube show “Political Signal” and likened former President Yoon Suk-yeol to Jesus. He praised Yoon’s return to his private residence after impeachment, quoting Yoon’s claim of having “won everything” and starting anew. Jeon suggested Yoon’s actions preserved liberal democracy and rallied conservatives, drawing parallels to Jesus’ sacrifice.
Pastor Lee Ju-heon’s Rebuke 📖
The next day, Pastor Lee Ju-heon of Barun Church in Seongnam posted on Facebook, criticizing Jeon’s remarks. Quoting 2 Timothy 3:5—“having a form of godliness but denying its power”—Lee urged people to avoid such figures. He shared a photo of Jeon holding a Bible, implying hypocrisy in Jeon’s public displays of faith.
Broader Religious Criticism 🙏
Other religious figures joined the criticism. Kim Jong-yeon, a former Buddhist youth leader, referenced a 2017 incident involving Choi Seo-won (formerly Choi Soon-sil) to mock Jeon’s stance, suggesting it was absurd. Kim’s post echoed public frustration with Jeon’s defense of Yoon, who was impeached over the December 3 insurrection incident.
Public Outrage on Social Media 😡
Social media erupted with criticism. Netizens called Jeon’s comparison blasphemous, with some Christians expressing shame over sharing the same faith. Comments like “What would Jesus think of this?” reflected widespread disapproval of Jeon’s attempt to sanctify Yoon’s political actions.
Context of Yoon’s Impeachment 📜
Yoon’s impeachment stemmed from his unconstitutional declaration of emergency martial law on December 3, 2024, which led to his removal from office. His claim of “winning” despite this failure baffled many, and Jeon’s endorsement added fuel to the public’s anger.
Jeon’s History of Controversy ⚡
Jeon has consistently supported Yoon, attending anti-impeachment rallies and promoting fringe theories. His remarks have drawn scrutiny before, but this comparison to Jesus marked a new peak in polarizing rhetoric, prompting even religious leaders to respond.
Opinions ⚖️
Support: Jeon’s Perspective 👍
Some conservative supporters agree with Jeon, seeing Yoon’s actions as a bold stand for democracy against perceived threats. They view Jeon’s comparison as symbolic, emphasizing Yoon’s resilience and sacrifice for a cause.
Opposition: Religious and Public Backlash 👎
Critics, including religious leaders, argue Jeon’s comparison is blasphemous and disrespectful to Christian values. They see it as an attempt to whitewash Yoon’s failed leadership, which caused national unrest, and call for accountability rather than glorification.
Q&A ❓
Why did Jeon compare Yoon to Jesus? 🤔
Jeon believes Yoon’s impeachment and martial law declaration were sacrifices to protect democracy, likening them to Jesus’ crucifixion for humanity’s salvation.
What scripture did Pastor Lee cite? 📜
Lee quoted 2 Timothy 3:5, warning against those who appear godly but lack true faith, suggesting Jeon’s actions contradict Christian principles.
How did other religions react? 🙏
Buddhist leader Kim Jong-yeon criticized Jeon, using humor to highlight the absurdity of his claim, reflecting interfaith disapproval.
Why are people so upset? 😟
The comparison offends many Christians, who see it as trivializing Jesus’ sacrifice, while others view it as excusing Yoon’s unconstitutional actions.
Has Jeon made similar claims before? ⚡
Yes, Jeon has a history of provocative statements, including defending Yoon’s martial law and promoting controversial theories, but this is his boldest claim yet.
Terms 📖
2 Timothy 3:5 📜
A Bible verse warning against hypocrisy, used by Pastor Lee to criticize those who appear religious but lack genuine faith.
December 3 Insurrection 🚨
Refers to Yoon Suk-yeol’s 2024 martial law declaration, deemed unconstitutional, leading to his impeachment.
Impeachment ⚖️
The process of removing a president for violating the constitution, applied to Yoon in early 2025.
Liberal Democracy 🗳️
A system of government with free elections and individual rights, which Jeon claims Yoon protected.
Metrics Table 📊
Item
Value
Date of Jeon’s Statement
April 14, 2025
Pastor Lee’s Response
April 15, 2025
December 3 Incident
2024
Choi Seo-won Incident Reference
January 25, 2017
Misc ℹ️
Labels: Jeon Hangil, Yoon Suk-yeol, Jesus comparison, South Korea politics, Timothy
