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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Bridging Generations: Shincheonji Volunteer Group Gwangju Honors Veterans with Youth

A heartwarming gathering celebrates patriotism, gratitude, and shared values

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group Gwangju Branch hosted a special event titled “Generation-Connect ItGO Talk” on October 25, bringing together local youth and national veterans for an inspiring time of communication and appreciation.

This meaningful gathering was designed to help young people reflect on the value of patriotism and sacrifice, while expressing gratitude and respect toward national heroes who dedicated their lives to the country.


Youth Meet Heroes of History

During the event, veterans and students engaged in open dialogue, sharing real-life wartime stories and lessons that go beyond textbooks.
Students asked questions about the veterans’ experiences — from what led them to enlist to the realities they faced during war.

One veteran shared,

“I still receive treatment for the injuries I sustained during the war, but I never think it was in vain. It means a lot that young people remember us and want to know our stories.”

High school student Park Jae-hyun (17, Buk-gu, Gwangju) said,

“Listening to the stories of war that I had only read about in textbooks made me realize the true fear and sacrifice behind it. I feel deep gratitude for those who helped build our nation.”

 

Celebrating Patriotism Through Art and Action

In celebration of the 77th Armed Forces Day, the event also featured an awards ceremony for the “Letter and Art Contest” — where elementary to high school students expressed their appreciation to soldiers and national veterans through heartfelt letters and drawings.

After the ceremony, participants joined in a “Taegukgi Handprint Performance”, where both students and veterans pressed their painted handprints together to form the Korean national flag. This symbolic act visually embodied the unity and shared love for the nation across generations.

Instilling the Spirit of Gratitude

A representative from the Gwangju Branch said,

“This event was meant to help young people remember and respect national veterans as the true heroes of our society. We’ll continue to create cultural and educational opportunities for the next generation to naturally learn and practice the values of patriotism and remembrance.”

Through activities like these, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group continues to foster intergenerational understanding and civic values, reminding communities that freedom and peace are built on gratitude and remembrance.


Source: https://vo.la/WyNjRXR

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