The Presbyterian Church of South Korea issues official notice to all presbyteries on May 14.

On May 14, the Presbyterian Church of South Korea (PCK), led by Moderator Rev. Younggul Kim, issued an official advisory letter to all regional presbyteries, warning them about the Shen Yun Performing Arts troupe, affiliated with the controversial Falun Gong movement. The alert follows concerns that Shen Yun performances, under the guise of cultural showcases, convey religious messages promoting apocalyptic worldviews and collective salvation.

The letter, signed by Rev. Kim and Rev. Park Han-soo, Chair of the PCK’s Committee on Heresy and Cults, states:

“Shen Yun is an art group operated by Falun Gong, which has been actively staging performances in various locations since May. Although the group claims to showcase traditional Chinese culture, the performances are heavily infused with symbolic representations of Falun Gong doctrines—such as doomsday ideologies, worship of a ‘creator,’ and the notion of collective salvation”.

The advisory also notes that Falun Gong has been classified as a cult by the PCK and referenced a prior advisory issued by the United Christian Churches of South Korea (UCCK).

“Upon reviewing the content, our Committee on Heresy and Cults finds that these performances could potentially mislead and confuse Christian believers. We ask churches and congregants to exercise particular caution and avoid being misled by such events”.

Meanwhile, the UCCK also issued a joint advisory to its member denominations, warning:

“Falun Gong reveres its founder Li Hongzhi and his teachings as objects of faith, using books and music to indoctrinate followers. This has led to the breakdown of numerous families and has caused various societal issues, including mental illness. ”

The UCCK urged churches nationwide to remain vigilant and avoid participating in Shen Yun-related activities.