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...
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Shincheonji Volunteer Group Uijeongbu Branch Helps Elderly Residents Beat the Heat

As record-breaking heat waves sweep across Korea, the Uijeongbu Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group stepped in to provide relief and practical support for elderly residents living alone in Ganeung-dong.

Practical Help for Summer Safety

On August 16, six volunteers visited three pre-selected households of senior citizens, offering hands-on repairs and safety checks. Services included:

  • Organizing and repairing old electrical wiring

  • Replacing bathroom wiring

  • Checking refrigerators to ensure safe food storage

  • Repairing broken fans and other household appliances

The team also carried out a “Beat the Heat” awareness campaign, teaching seniors how to protect their health during extreme temperatures and sharing simple, practical tips for daily summer care.


Warmth Beyond Repairs

While working under the hot sun, volunteers expressed how meaningful the effort felt.

“Even though it was hot, it was deeply rewarding. Helping improve the living environment so seniors can feel cooler and safer this summer gave us a strong sense of fulfillment,” one volunteer shared.

The elderly recipients were visibly touched by the care they received. One senior, smiling brightly, said,

“Just having someone come and help me like this makes me happy.”


Prepared and Organized Service

Thanks to advance planning with local community leaders, the volunteer group was able to operate efficiently. Equipped with toolkits and replacement parts, the volunteers divided tasks into teams and completed the work within the limited time.

More than just technical support, the volunteers also spent time listening and talking with the seniors, creating emotional bonds that provided comfort and reassurance alongside practical help.


Continuing a Mission of Care

The Uijeongbu Branch emphasized that this initiative was not a one-time act but part of a broader commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens during Korea’s increasingly hot summers. By combining practical repair work with heartfelt companionship, the volunteers are building a culture of care and safety for the community’s most at-risk members.

Source: https://vo.la/15YYmc

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  1. Noah Brown2025년 8월 24일 오전 1:01

    Shincheonji Volunteers is a global volunteer group from the Shincheonji Church of Jesus who continue to serve communities globally through various initiatives including blood drives, disaster response, education programmes, and environmental clean-ups. #shincheonjichurch

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