SYDNEY - GeorgiaChron -- On October 29th, an administrative decision by a South Korean government agency sparked international controversy, raising concerns about religious freedom and causing substantial financial loss.

The "Religious Leaders Forum and Graduation Ceremony," a joint initiative by two prominent religious organizations, was set to take place in Paju, South Korea. The event was expected to draw over 30,000 participants from 57 countries, including 1,000 religious leaders representing Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism.

However, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, a public entity under Gyeonggi Province, abruptly canceled the venue rental without prior notice. This last-minute decision has resulted in significant financial damage to the international event. Organizers of this event stated that the cancellation constitutes an unconstitutional act of discrimination against a specific religion, violating religious freedom, human rights, and due process of law.

More on Georgia Chron

• Axiros' Founder Gunther Klessinger Takes on CTO Role to Lead Axiros into a New Era of Technology
• Macy Alex Photography Hosts Art Showcase and Fundraiser Benefiting Giving Grace
• Georgia: Gov. Kemp Announces SREB Commission to Strengthen High-Demand Career Pipelines
• ONI KAI NINJUTSU Opens Flagship Martial Arts Dojo in Pollock Pines, CA
• Final Draft Partners With IHQ Network for Special Holiday Performance

The hosting organizations, the Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea and Shincheonji Church of Jesus, said that they had received official confirmation on October 23rd and 28th that there was no plan of cancellation. They also said that the unilateral cancellation was an unreasonable administrative action targeting a specific religious group. They further emphasize that other events scheduled for the same day were not affected, suggesting that the cancellation was "administrative decision caused by opposition from a specific religious group," which "violates the principle of separation of church and state guaranteed by the Constitution."

The Gyeonggi Tourism Organization cited security concerns related to recent North Korean actions and the planned activities of a North Korean defector group as reasons for the cancellation. However, it was pointed out that other events, such as civilian bike rides and foreign tourist visits to the DMZ, were permitted within the same designated area.

More on Georgia Chron

• The Shot Heard Around the Business World – And the Heroes of American Business
• The Edge Agency Celebrates Two Women-Owned Business Certifications with Nonprofit Support
• Georgia: November Tax Revenues Up 2.3%
• Jaylen Brown Launches Luxury Athleisure Line Under 741 Brand - A Hybrid of High Fashion and Innovation
• CUMIC Listed Among Forbes China Go-International Top 30 Brand

The incident has reignited international debate about religious freedom and tolerance in South Korea. The U.S. State Department's International Religious Freedom Report has previously highlighted concerns such as the prosecution of Shincheonji Church of Jesus and the government's refusal to approve mosque construction.

The Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea and Shincheonji Church of Jesus call upon the South Korean government to respect religious freedom, uphold human rights, and rectify this unjust decision. They urge international organizations to monitor this situation and take appropriate action to protect religious freedom.