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 Daegu Branch Cleans Up Around Daemyeong Station for Safer Winter Walkways

As winter approaches, volunteers from the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Daegu Branch carried out a major street-cleaning effort around Daemyeong Station on November 19th 2025, improving safety and walkability for local residents.

A Cleaner Morning at Daemyeong Station

Early that morning, the area surrounding Daemyeong Station in Nam-gu, Daegu looked noticeably cleaner. About 30 volunteers walked through narrow alleys and busy corners, removing built-up trash, fallen leaves, cigarette butts, and cans and bottles lodged in flowerbeds.

Their clean-up route stretched roughly 800 meters, from Daemyeong Station’s Gaenari Mansion area to Gwanmun Market — a zone known for heavy foot traffic and recurring waste-related complaints.

Local Residents Appreciated the Effort

Commuters immediately noticed the difference.
Some paused to say “The streets look especially clean today,” while one resident shared, “It’s cold, but they even cleaned in front of our homes — I’m really thankful.”

A volunteer in her 20s said she joined because winter increases safety risks:

“When snow and fallen leaves overlap, the ground becomes dangerous. We cleaned the area so both citizens and local shop owners can move safely.”

A Busy, High-Traffic Area Needing Constant Care

Because Daemyeong Station is surrounded by a subway station, traditional market, and residential blocks, thousands pass through daily. Narrow market alleys near Gwanmun Market frequently receive complaints about illegal trash disposal.

For such areas, environmental cleanup is more than beautification — it helps prevent slips, falls, and other winter accidents.

Commitment to Year-Round Care

Branch leader Kim Su-jin noted that the team will continue providing support:

“We will keep maintaining the area so citizens can enjoy a safe and pleasant walking environment.”

The Daegu branch has been selecting seasonal high-risk zones each year to conduct cleanup activities throughout the city.

Source: https://vo.la/BXvYjNz


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