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 Volunteer Group Reaches 7,500 Blood Donations in Just One Month

Korea’s largest youth-led blood donation campaign continues to grow, bringing life-saving impact to patients nationwide.

A Milestone in Life-Sharing

The youth volunteer group We Are One, affiliated with the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, has reached a remarkable milestone in its ongoing blood donation campaign. In just over one month since the launch of the 2025 We Are Red Second-Half Blood Donation Campaign on July 27, more than 7,500 youth successfully donated blood.

By August 31, over 8,000 participants had taken part, with the majority completing their donations. The achievement is now being recognized as the largest youth blood donation movement in Korea, providing essential support to hospitals facing ongoing blood supply shortages.


Why Blood Donation Matters

Unlike many other forms of volunteer work, blood donation is irreplaceable. There is no artificial substitute for blood, and its limited shelf life means a steady supply is always needed. This reality has led countries around the world, including Korea, to prohibit the commercial trade of blood and instead rely on the spirit of voluntary donation.

The We Are One campaign addresses this critical need by mobilizing young people across the nation. Their collective effort is ensuring that patients in urgent need of transfusions receive the blood required for survival.

Stories of Dedication and Impact

We Are One members shared heartfelt testimonies about why they continue to give:

  • Han Yu-young (185 donations): “Blood donation is a precious service only healthy people can offer. When I was able to directly help a friend’s family with my blood donor certificate, it was an unforgettable blessing.”

  • Nam Hyo-seung (157 donations): “I started donating during my military service. It may seem small, but knowing it directly saves lives has kept me committed all these years.”

  • Jung Seung-min (designated donor): “Realizing that my blood was used to save someone’s life moved me deeply. I will keep participating as long as I can.”

One particularly moving example came from the youth of Incheon Geyang Church, who collected and donated 70 blood donor certificates for a fellow member undergoing surgery. The recipient shared, “I’m truly grateful. With the support and encouragement of my peers, I found the courage to face my operation.”

Campaign to Continue Nationwide

A We Are One representative emphasized the campaign’s significance:

“Blood donation is a life-sharing act that cannot be replaced. With the campaign continuing until October 18, we hope even more young people will join to help save lives.”

The campaign not only provides critical relief to the nation’s blood supply system but also showcases the younger generation’s leadership in spreading a culture of compassion, solidarity, and life-sharing.

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Shincheonji Netherlands Church and Class 116 Graduates Carry Out Environmental Cleanup in Rotterdam

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On December 6, members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus Netherlands Church gathered at Kralingse Bos , one of Rotterdam’s largest lake parks, for a meaningful volunteer activity. The event was part of the church’s “1st Graduation Commemoration Volunteer Program,” bringing together 27 participants , including newly graduated Class 116 students of the Zion Christian Mission Center . Their goal was simple but sincere: to practice the teachings of Jesus by caring for their neighbors and protecting the local environment. Cleaning Kralingse Bos: A Park Loved by the City Kralingse Bos is a large urban lake park located on the eastern side of Rotterdam. Much like Seoul’s Hangang Park, it is a popular place for walking, running, and enjoying nature. Because so many people pass through every day, litter often gathers around the lakeside paths. A representative from Shincheonji Netherlands Church , part of the Bartholomew Tribe , explained that the city also recognized the need for clean...
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Winter Break Program Opens Career Exploration Opportunities for Youth in Gwangju

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Peter Heaven Culture Academy launches its 3rd term with 39 hands-on courses across culture, sports, and media As winter break approaches, a new youth program in Gwangju is offering students a chance to explore their interests, talents, and possible career paths through structured, hands-on learning. The Shincheonji Gwangju Church has opened enrollment for the 3rd term of the Peter Heaven Culture Academy (PHCA) , a seasonal program designed for children and teenagers during the winter vacation period. The program is organized for youth members of its children and student groups and focuses on experiential learning rather than classroom-only instruction. A program built around exploration and experience PHCA is designed to help young people better understand themselves by trying a wide range of activities in a supportive group environment. Instead of focusing solely on academic outcomes, the program emphasizes cooperation, creativity, and personal growth through shared experiences. Ahea...
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Class 116 Graduates Share Warmth Through Kimchi: A Winter of Giving in the Peter and Andre Tribes

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As winter settles in and the year comes to a close, many people begin to feel the cold more deeply—especially seniors living alone, neighbors with disabilities, and those who have served the nation. To bring warmth and comfort to these communities, graduates of Zion Christian Mission Center Class 116 from both the Andre Tribe and the Peter Tribe stepped forward for a special act of love: kimchi sharing. Though the two events took place in different cities, the heart behind them was the same. The graduates wanted to celebrate their learning, express gratitude, and start their new journey of faith by serving others with their own hands. Andre Tribe: A Celebration of Graduation Through Giving At the Andre Training Center, more than two hundred volunteers gathered with bright smiles, including one hundred new graduates who had recently completed their study of the Word. Together, they prepared a remarkable amount of kimchi—carefully seasoning and mixing each batch with sincerity. This w...
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