Fairfax County Police Seek Extradition Of Former Burke Pastor From South Korea

BURKE, VA — Fairfax County police charged a former pastor at the Pilgrim Community Church in Burke with multiple sex offenses after launching an investigation last August into allegations against the man, the police department said Friday.

In October, Fairfax County detectives obtained three warrants for aggravated sexual battery against Sung Woo Hong, 37, of South Korea. Detectives are working with the U.S. federal government and South Korean authorities to bring him in to custody and extradite Hong to Fairfax County to face the charges.

The police department’s Major Crimes Bureau Child Abuse Squad began its investigation after a juvenile disclosed unlawful sexual contact by Hong, who the police said was known as “Pastor Sam.” He served as an intern pastor at the church from 2015 to 2018 and was assigned as the pastor of youth activities and taught the church’s youth band in 2018, police said.

Hong’s employment with the church, at 4925 Twinbrook Road in Burke, was terminated in 2019. He then returned to South Korea.

Fairfax County police said the assaults occurred inside a secluded office in the church between 2016 and 2019. During the investigation, an additional victim was identified.

The police department said there may be additional victims and is asking anyone with information about the case or believe Hong had inappropriate contact with them or their child to please call its Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 3.

Victim specialists from the department’s Victim Services Division have been assigned to ensure that the victims receive appropriate resources and assistance, police said.