Former K-pop star Daud Kim's plans to build a mosque in Korea faces resistance - here's why

Daud Kim has garnered a sizable fanbase, particularly within South Korea's Muslim populace. Nonetheless, recent accusations have tarnished his image and sparked inquiries into his motives.

Kim Daud, a South Korean YouTuber and former K-pop star, has found himself embroiled in controversy after being accused of involvement in a mosque scam in Seoul and Incheon.

Known for his YouTube channel where he discusses his conversion to Islam and his experiences as a Muslim, Daud Kim has amassed a significant following, particularly among South Korea's Muslim community. However, recent allegations have cast a shadow over his reputation and raised questions about his intentions.

Previously known as Jay Kim, changed his name to Daud Kim following his conversion to Islam in 2020. With a substantial YouTube following of over 5.55 million subscribers, Kim has used his platform to share his journey as a Muslim. One of Kim's recent initiatives involved raising funds to build more places of worship for Muslims in South Korea.

Despite Daud Kim's aspirations to construct a mosque in Incheon, a region within the Seoul Capital Area, his plans have encountered numerous obstacles. These challenges range from the termination of land contracts to administrative hurdles and allegations of fraud, compounded by resistance from local residents.

South Korea's demographic landscape adds another layer of complexity to Kim's endeavours. With approximately 50 million inhabitants, a significant portion — around 56 per cent — identify as irreligious. The religious landscape comprises Protestant Christians (19%), Korean Buddhists (15.5%), and Catholics (8%), based on 2015 census data.

Within this diverse religious tapestry, the Muslim community in South Korea constitutes a minority, estimated at around 150,000 individuals. Among them, approximately 120,000 are migrant laborers, primarily hailing from countries such as Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Pakistan. The remaining 30,000 consist of students and businesspersons, contributing to the cultural and religious diversity of the nation.

Despite Daud Kim's public announcement of purchasing land in Incheon for a mosque, the previous landowner requested termination of the contract, citing opposition from local residents concerned about property devaluation. Residents feared that the mosque's presence would diminish property values in the area, leading the previous owner to terminate the contract through a real estate agent.

Administrative hurdles further complicated the situation, as the necessary permit to construct a religious meeting place was not obtained. Local officials cited inadequate road conditions leading to the mosque site as grounds for permit denial.

Besides, according to some reports, Daud Kim allegedly solicited donations from his followers under the guise of supporting mosque construction projects in Seoul and Incheon. However, concerns were raised when the promised mosques failed to materialise, leading to accusations of misappropriation of funds and deception.

Further, allegations of personal misconduct, including inflicting bruises upon his wife and evading divorce proceedings, have cast a shadow over Kim's public image. These controversies have raised questions about his integrity and intentions, jeopardising his credibility within both religious and entertainment spheres.