International Concern Grows Over South Korea's Detention of 95-Year-Old Religious Leader

The recent detention and prosecution of Chairman Lee Man-hee, the 95-year-old leader of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, has sparked intense scrutiny from international human rights and religious freedom organizations. Legal experts and sociologists worldwide are raising critical questions regarding South Korea’s adherence to global human rights standards and the principle of state neutrality. The Controversy Surrounding the Detention On June 24, 2026, South Korean authorities took Chairman Lee into custody on charges related to the Political Parties Act, followed by a formal indictment on June 30. Prosecutors allege that between July 2021 and January 2024, the church organized the enrollment of approximately 50,000 members into the ruling People Power Party (PPP) to influence internal primaries. However, the legal dispute does not center on party membership itself, but on whether coercion was involved. While prosecutors allege a forced campaign, Shincheonji Church maintains that all p...

A Cool Breeze of Love: How Shincheonji Volunteers Are Helping Communities Beat the Heat

 As South Korea faces one of the hottest summers in recent years, Shincheonji Church of Jesus is showing the power of kindness and care through its volunteer group. Across the country, Shincheonji Volunteer Group is helping local communities stay safe and refreshed with clean water, fun campaigns, and cool resting spots.

Helping the Elderly and Children Stay Safe

In Donghae, the volunteer group donated 112 boxes of bottled water (2L x 6 per box) to help elderly and children at risk from the extreme heat. Donghae is a super-aged community, with over 50% of its residents aged 65 and above. Volunteers delivered the water with love, making sure no one would suffer from heat-related illness.

Cooling Down the Streets of Goyang

In Goyang City, volunteers from Shincheonji’s Simon Tribe visited 12 local shops and handed out homemade watermelon punch (hwa-chae). Despite the 40°C weather, they walked store to store with smiles and encouragement. Local shop owners expressed deep gratitude, saying, “This made our day. Thank you so much!”

Summer Love in Gimhae

At Jangyu Central Plaza in Gimhae, 38 volunteers cleaned the streets and handed out bottled water to over 100 citizens. They also ran a fun booth called “Cool-Tree Sticker Game” to promote heat safety. People smiled, laughed, and even joined in by offering water back to the volunteers.

Frozen Water and Shade in Ulsan

In Ulsan, the volunteer team gave away 1,000 frozen water bottles and provided umbrella-sharing services to help locals stay cool and dry. They even opened the church’s first floor as a public resting space during the hottest hours. This campaign will continue until August 15.

One local resident said, “I only saw these things on the news. I didn’t expect it in real life—what a surprise and a blessing!”

Love in Action, All Summer Long

From Gimhae to Goyang, Ulsan to Donghae, Shincheonji volunteers are spreading a message of hope: that even a small act of kindness, like a bottle of cold water, can bring joy and relief.

These summer campaigns are not just about heat prevention—they are about building trust, sharing warmth, and standing with the community. As climate challenges continue, the volunteers say they will keep going, wherever help is needed.

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