Challenges and Response of Korean Religions to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Korea

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has triggered many lifestyle changes and caused serious social issues such as economic disruption, restriction of social and religious activities, and an increase in anxiety and conflict. This study first elaborates the pre-pandemic status of Korean religions and the Korean government’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Second, the study examines the debates regarding the role of religion at the initial stage of the COVID-19 outbreak, as some members of religious denominations such as Shinchonji Church of Jesus and some Protestant churches led by Pastor Chŏn’s Love First Church (K. Sarangjeil) significantly contributed to its spread through their religious services and gatherings. In this regard, this study examines how the media portrayed religion in this period. When the Korean government implemented strong distance and prohibition policies for social and religious gatherings, the issue of religious freedom became a serious social issue, driving the public to think about the social role of religions when it comes to public health. Without a doubt, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Korean society and religions, producing some negative symptoms such as the corona-blue syndrome. In this context, this study examines the role of religion in public health. The role of religion in Korea may need to change. Given that most religions in Korea such as Buddhism, Catholicism, and Won-Buddhism have actively cooperated with the government policy to overcome COVID-19, these religions can help heal the post-pandemic traumas and suffering from the ensuing natural or social disasters.