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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Shincheonji Volunteer Group Delivers Year-Round Community Support Across Seoul, Southern Gyeonggi, and Incheon

Large-Scale, Continuous Volunteer Work Throughout 2025

In 2025, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group carried out extensive community service activities across the Seoul metropolitan area, including Seoul, southern Gyeonggi Province, and Incheon.

According to regional reports, the volunteer group provided practical support to more than 14,000 residents over the course of the year through structured, long-term service rather than one-time events. Activities focused on vulnerable groups, environmental protection, housing improvement, and support for veterans.

Seoul–Southern Gyeonggi: Expanding Support for Vulnerable Communities

The Seoul–Southern Gyeonggi Regional Association supported 10,810 people in 2025, nearly doubling the previous year’s reach with a reported 98% increase.

A total of 5,176 volunteers participated across 251 days, reflecting steady growth in both participation and activity frequency. Services were carried out in many local communities and included:

  • Daily living and emotional support for seniors living alone and people with disabilities

  • Side-dish and kimchi sharing, home repairs, and visiting beauty services

  • Support activities for national veterans

  • Environmental cleanups, plogging, and mural painting

  • Disaster and recovery assistance when needed

Organizers explained that the growth was possible because activities were planned based on local needs and continued on a regular basis, allowing volunteers to provide consistent and meaningful help.


Incheon: One System, Seven Branches, Citywide Impact

In Incheon, the regional association coordinated seven local branches under a unified system, allowing volunteers to work together efficiently across the city.

Throughout 2025:

  • 1,375 volunteers participated

  • Activities were carried out over 148 days

  • Services reached 3,229 residents at 66 locations

Environmental projects included river and park cleanups, plogging, drainage maintenance, and wildfire prevention campaigns timed to seasonal needs. Local residents noted that regular cleanups noticeably improved neighborhood conditions.


Veterans, Housing, and Care Services

Incheon volunteers also carried out 19 veteran-support activities, including year-end kimchi sharing and public awareness campaigns related to memorial culture.

Housing-related services included 12 mural-painting projects, improving aging residential areas and encouraging resident participation. In addition, 12 elderly grooming services were provided, offering haircuts and personal care while also giving volunteers time to check in and talk with seniors. Some participants shared that these services became something they looked forward to regularly.

Structured Volunteer Models and Future Plans

The Incheon Regional Association organized its work into eight service categories, covering environment, veterans, housing, and care services. Several local organizations expressed appreciation by presenting certificates of gratitude, recognizing the group’s consistent presence and cooperation.

Both regional associations stated that they plan to continue focusing on:

  • Emotional care services

  • Housing and environmental improvement

  • Practical support tailored to local community needs

By emphasizing continuity, coordination, and on-site action, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group aims to remain a steady partner to local communities in 2026 and beyond.

A Shared Principle: Consistent Help Where It’s Needed

Across Seoul, Southern Gyeonggi, and Incheon, the 2025 activities shared a common approach—regular, need-based service carried out over time. Rather than short-term events, the focus remained on sustained involvement and cooperation with local residents.

These year-long efforts show how organized volunteer systems can translate participation into measurable impact, strengthening trust and improving everyday life at the community level.


Source: 

- https://vo.la/EkntCCe

- https://vo.la/nYaTekN


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