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...
댓글 쓰기

We Are One Youth Volunteers Lead 644 Summer Blood Donations Across Busan, Gyeongnam, and Jeju

Even under the sweltering summer heat, young people across Busan, Gyeongnam, and Jeju are rolling up their sleeves to save lives. Members of We Are One, the Shincheonji-affiliated youth volunteer group, joined the nationwide 2025 We Are Red Second-Half Blood Donation Campaign, contributing a total of 644 successful donations to stabilize Korea’s strained blood supply.

A Nationwide Effort for Life

The campaign, which runs from July 27 to October 18, aims to gather 10,000 donors nationwide. Its timing is crucial: summer vacations and the Chuseok holiday typically see a sharp decline in blood donations, worsening supply shortages.

In this context, the youth volunteers’ commitment to donating blood carries an even greater significance, ensuring that hospitals and patients receive the life-saving support they urgently need.

Emergency Response: Platelet Donation Saves a Life

One of the most moving stories during this campaign came from Busan, where the family of a patient urgently requested platelet transfusions. In response, around 20 We Are One youth members volunteered immediately, with some even halting their regular medications for a month to qualify for donation. Their dedication directly contributed to saving a patient’s life.

Regional Participation Breakdown

The regional tallies highlight the collective effort:

  • Busan: 353 donors

  • Ulsan: 178 donors

  • Changwon: 7 donors

  • Gimhae: 36 donors

  • Jinju: 39 donors

  • Jeju: 31 donors

A representative of We Are One emphasized:

“Youth blood donation is not just service—it is the most direct and powerful way to save lives.”


Recognition from the Blood Center

Officials from the Korean Blood Service expressed deep gratitude:

“Whenever a shortage arises, We Are One is the group we can rely on. Their orderly and consistent participation makes a critical difference in maintaining stable blood supplies.”

Beyond Blood Donation

While blood donation remains a core initiative, We Are One is also preparing to expand its activities, including environmental campaigns and support for vulnerable communities. Through these efforts, the group continues to build a culture of compassion and responsibility among the younger generation.

댓글

  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 🩸

    답글삭제

댓글 쓰기

이 블로그의 인기 게시물

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

이미지
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...
자세한 내용 보기

Winter Break Program Opens Career Exploration Opportunities for Youth in Gwangju

이미지
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...
자세한 내용 보기

Class 116 Graduates Share Warmth Through Kimchi: A Winter of Giving in the Peter and Andre Tribes

이미지
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...
자세한 내용 보기