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–Gyeongbuk Association Delivers Disaster Response and Veteran Care Throughout 2025

Throughout 2025, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Daegu–Gyeongbuk Association carried out year-long volunteer activities focused on disaster recovery, emergency response, and care for national veterans, filling critical gaps within local communities.

According to the association, volunteers worked on-site across the region for 86 days, providing direct and indirect support to 11,906 citizens.
A total of 693 volunteers participated across 109 locations, demonstrating a strong commitment to public service through consistent field-based action.

Focused Support in Wildfire-Affected Areas

A major portion of the association’s efforts centered on large-scale wildfire recovery.
For 61 days, 470 volunteers were deployed to 69 affected sites, where they carried out environmental cleanup and restoration work to help communities recover from fire damage.

During this period, the Andong branch signed a cooperation agreement with the Andong City Volunteer Center, establishing a practical partnership to strengthen disaster-response coordination and on-site efficiency.


Continued Care for Veterans and Their Families

Alongside disaster response, the association maintained a steady focus on veteran care and remembrance.

Volunteer activities for veterans and their families were carried out over 10 days, with 213 volunteers assisting 604 beneficiaries. These efforts included personal visits, care support, and emotional engagement.

To mark the 75th anniversary of the Korean War, the association organized a photo exhibition and cultural performances, helping citizens reflect on the meaning of remembrance and respect for those who served.


Year-Round Community Engagement

Beyond disaster and veteran-focused efforts, volunteer activities continued throughout the year, adapting to seasonal and community needs. These included:

  • National Liberation Day Taegeukgi display campaigns

  • Year-end blanket donations for vulnerable households

  • Environmental cleanup activities in preparation for the APEC Summit in Gyeongju

By responding flexibly to different moments and needs, the association demonstrated a model of volunteer work rooted in timing, relevance, and cooperation.

Commitment to Action-Based Volunteering

Kim Su-jin, head of the Daegu–Gyeongbuk Association, stated that disaster response, veteran care, and environmental protection represent essential public values that safeguard communities. He added that the association will continue to work closely with local partners, focusing on practical solutions found directly in the field.

Through its 2025 activities, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Daegu–Gyeongbuk Association highlighted how consistent, action-oriented volunteering can contribute to resilience, remembrance, and public trust at the local level.

Source: https://vo.la/ONUjJlm


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