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 Volunteer Group Namdong Branch Paints “Eternal Spring” Mural for Manbu Village

On October 16, the Namdong Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group unveiled its second mural project in Manbu Village, Namdong District, Incheon — transforming a once colorless wall into a lively field of spring flowers.

The mural installation, part of the branch’s ongoing “Story of the Wall” project, followed a heartfelt request from a local resident who admired the group’s first mural, a seascape completed in June. The resident, whose home stands across from the original mural, asked if their own wall could also “bloom with flowers.”

From Sea Breeze to Dandelion Hills

In response, the volunteers selected “Open Dandelion Hill” as the new theme, symbolizing hope, vitality, and renewal. Beginning on September 22, members prepared and painted the wall over a 20-day period, completing every step — from surface treatment and sketching to detailed coloring — in close collaboration with residents.

As the final brushstrokes dried, one resident smiled and shared,

“The wall used to feel lifeless and dull, but now it feels alive. The mural brings joy every time I see it.”

During the project, local residents expressed their gratitude by offering homemade jeon (Korean pancakes) and tea to the volunteer team, creating a warm and communal atmosphere.


Bringing Life and Warmth to the Neighborhood

Manbu Village, known for its cluster of cozy, traditional homes and many elderly residents, has long been a focus of the Namdong Branch’s volunteer service. The team has previously carried out fan-cleaning services, window screen repairs, and other household support activities, helping improve daily life in small but meaningful ways.

A representative from the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Namdong Branch shared:

“Before we start any mural, we first communicate with residents to understand what kind of artwork they truly want. We visit the site, consider the surroundings, and design each mural to reflect the local environment. We’ll continue serving Manbu Village with affection through various forms of volunteer work.”

With every brushstroke, the volunteers are not just painting walls — they are bringing color, warmth, and a sense of community to a place many call home.


Source: https://vo.la/Gxx7NSk

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