Lee Young-hoon, center, senior pastor of Yoido Full Gospel Church, delivers a Hope Box of Love, which contains relief items for underprivileged households, to people in Jung District, Seoul, Friday. Courtesy of Yoido Full Gospel Church

Lee Young-hoon, senior pastor of Yoido Full Gospel Church, delivered a Christmas message calling for unity and mutual respect amid Korea's ongoing political crisis. The statement comes in the wake of President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived martial law on Dec. 3 and his subsequent impeachment on Dec. 14, which have left the nation in turmoil.

"Our citizens, including 12 million believers, have been experiencing days of suffering and conflict due to the unbearable shock following the martial law situation," Lee expressed deep concern over the current political situation on Monday.

He explained that although he is hesitant to comment on political matters as a pastor, he felt compelled to deliver a Christmas message of mutual support and respect to help navigate this difficult time due to the worries shared by many citizens and members of his congregation.

"As a pastor, (I am) very cautious about mentioning issues related to current politics in Korea. It is the constitutional spirit and national consensus that politics should not intervene in religion and religion should not intervene in politics for the harmony and peace of our people," he said.

Despite this caution, Lee felt it was necessary to speak up, urging political leaders to solve this issue quickly.

"Political leaders must resolve this emergency situation as quickly as possible so that the people can live a free and stable daily life," he said. "Major political issues such as martial law and impeachment must be settled quickly according to law and principle of democratic institutions and procedures."

Lee also urged political and business leaders to do their best to solve the issue, saying that it is negatively impacting the nation's economy and the livelihoods of its citizens.

"The economy is difficult. The lives of the working and middle class are seriously threatened. I earnestly ask the government, businesses and politicians from both ruling and opposition parties to join hands on livelihood issues and do their utmost to protect the lives and property of the people in this difficult situation," he said.

Reflecting on the country's history, Lee believes that this crisis, too, can be overcome soon.

"How was the Republic of Korea established? We overcame Japanese colonial rule and built a free and democratic country that became one of the world's top 10 advanced countries from the ruins of the Korean War."

With a plea for respect and encouragement, the pastor called on Christians to be at the forefront of efforts to resolve the national crisis.

"The more we criticize and blame each other, the greater the conflict will grow. Instead, please encourage and respect each other and hold hands with a loving heart. Share love with neighbors who are suffering from poverty and illness," he said. "I also urge Christians to take the lead in overcoming the national crisis."