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...

Shincheonji Silver Taekwondo Team Triumphs with Overall Victory at National Championship

Gold and Silver Medals Lead to Overall Victory

The Shincheonji Church of Jesus Silver Taekwondo Team achieved an impressive overall victory at the 2025 Korea Silver Taekwondo Association National Championship, held on September 13 at the Bandabi Sports Center in Dongducheon.

With outstanding performances across multiple events, the team secured 26 gold medals and 23 silver medals, earning the top honor of the competition.


Strong Performances Across Events

The championship featured a range of categories, including individual poomsae competitions, group demonstration contests, and educational program evaluations. The Shincheonji Silver Taekwondo Team showcased consistent excellence in every division.

  • Shincheonji Gwacheon Church (Led by Tribe Leader Sung Chang-ho) collected 8 gold, 11 silver, and 10 bronze medals in individual competitions and also won the Educational Program Contest, confirming their high level of preparation and skill.

  • Shincheonji Gangdong Church (Led by Pastor Lee Sang-hoon) earned 8 gold, 8 silver, and 13 bronze medals, finishing 3rd place in the Group Demonstration Contest.

  • Shincheonji Ansan Church (Led by Pastor Lee Jeon-woo) secured 3 silver and 5 bronze medals in the individual poomsae division.

  • Shincheonji Guri Church (Led by Pastor Kang Chang-hoon) excelled with 10 gold and 2 silver medals in individual poomsae and captured victory in the Group Demonstration Contest.

A Milestone in Silver Sports

The overall championship reflects not only the physical skill of the participants but also their dedication to lifelong learning, teamwork, and perseverance. The Shincheonji Silver Taekwondo Team’s success highlights the growing influence of senior sports in Korea, proving that age is no barrier to passion and excellence.

Source: https://vo.la/k31rZZG

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