SEOUL – "If I am imprisoned, it will prove that Korea is no longer free." Reverend Hyun-bo Son made that statement just before entering the police station for a pre-trial hearing on September 8th. He hasn't been seen since.

Charges against Pastor Son include violating election laws—specifically, for interviewing a candidate on issues the government interpreted as illegal campaigning. Authorities cited "risk of flight and destroying evidence" as the reasons for his detention.

Chance Son says the family only learned of his father's arrest through the press. Since then, they have not been allowed to speak to Pastor Son, which they say violates his rights.

He said, "To a senior pastor who has served the same church for over 30 years, faithfully ministering to his congregation and the commu

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