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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We Are One Youth in Chungju Lead Blood Donation Drive Amid National Shortage

Amid a nationwide blood supply crisis, young volunteers in Chungju are stepping forward to share the gift of life. Members of We Are One, a Shincheonji Church of Jesus–affiliated youth volunteer group under the Gangwon Regional Association, participated in the second-half “We Are Red” Blood Donation Campaign, bringing warmth and hope to their local community.


Overcoming the Summer Blood Shortage

Summer is one of the most challenging times for blood collection in Korea, with school vacations and holidays causing donation rates to plummet. In response, Chungju branch youth joined forces with nearby branches in Wonju and Chuncheon to take part in the campaign, braving the heat to roll up their sleeves.

The campaign ran from August 18 to 26, with a total of 212 donations recorded across seven participating branches.

Special Effort in Jecheon

On August 26, young volunteers from the Jecheon branch carried out a group donation at a mobile blood bus set up by the Korean Blood Service, as the city lacks a permanent donation center. Despite rainy weather, youth waited in line under umbrellas, eager to contribute. Afterward, they shared snacks together, celebrating their collective effort.

Voices of Courage and Hope

A first-time donor expressed,

“I found the courage to donate because I realized it could save someone’s life. I want to continue participating in the future.”

Another volunteer added,

“Knowing that my small act of courage could become the only lifeline for a patient made me feel proud.”

Recognition from the Blood Center

Lee Woo-hyung, Team Leader at the Gangwon Blood Center, praised the volunteers:

“Even during this difficult season when donations decrease, the bright and willing participation of these young people left a strong impression. We are deeply grateful for their active involvement.”

A Culture of Life-Sharing

The steady participation of We Are One youth in Chungju and beyond continues to play a vital role in overcoming blood shortages and spreading a culture of respect for life. Their dedication demonstrates the power of youth-led initiatives in meeting urgent community needs.


Source: https://vo.la/X7CGPjT

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  1. Noah Brown2025년 9월 4일 오전 8:10

    This is an unprecedented life-giving service and sacrifice made by the members of #ShincheonjiChurch in Korea. In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) has issued an appeal for one million donors to come forward to give blood and alleviate the current blood shortage. Let's emulate the example here in the UK 🩸

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