Beyond Theology: Why International Legal Experts and Domestic Leaders Demand Due Process in South Korea

When international human rights experts and domestic civil leaders gathered at the Korea Press Center in Seoul on August 7, 2026, their message was unambiguous: defending religious freedom is not about endorsing specific theological doctrines, but about safeguarding universal human rights principles. Organized by Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF) alongside CAP-LC, FOREF Germany, CESNUR, and Bitter Winter , the press conference addressed growing concerns over state neutrality, procedural fairness, and the pretrial detention of 95-year-old Chairman Lee Man-hee of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus. International Law and Precedents: The Principle of Proportionality A central argument raised by international experts focuses on South Korea’s legal obligations under global treaties. Having ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention Against Torture, South Korea is bound to apply detention strictly when necessary and proportional. Thierry Vall...
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Revitalizing Local Markets: Shincheonji Volunteer Group’s Initiative for Traditional Merchants

In a time when traditional markets face mounting economic pressures, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group has taken a proactive stance to breathe new life into local commerce. Across the Gyeongnam region, the Changwon and Geoje branches recently spearheaded coordinated efforts to support market merchants, demonstrating a profound commitment to community solidarity and economic revitalization.

Changwon: Delivering Warmth through the 'Pink Bojagi' Project

On March 19, the Changwon Branch visited Sangnam Market to execute their monthly "Pink Bojagi" initiative. The term 'Bojagi' refers to a traditional Korean wrapping cloth used to gift items with utmost sincerity, symbolizing the group's heart in delivering warmth to the community.

  • Morale Boost: Volunteers distributed handcrafted nut-based snacks and handwritten messages of encouragement to weary merchants.

  • Emotional Connection: This project transcends a mere distribution of goods; it serves as a vital platform for meaningful dialogue, fostering deep communal bonds between volunteers and business owners.


Geoje: Reinvigorating Commerce via the 'Market Shopping' Campaign

Simultaneously, the Geoje Branch mobilized 35 volunteers at Okpo Traditional Market for a dynamic "Market Shopping" campaign. This initiative was specifically designed to stimulate immediate cash flow and physical foot traffic within the market.

  • Direct Economic Impact: Volunteers actively purchased local produce and distributed promotional kits to citizens, encouraging them to frequent traditional markets.

  • Community Feedback: Local vendors expressed immense gratitude. One fruit stall owner noted, "The lack of foot traffic has been difficult, so we are truly thankful for the energy the volunteers brought to the market today."


The Power of Consistency: A Vision for the Future

What makes these activities remarkable is not just their immediate impact, but their sustained nature. Both branches have emphasized that these are not sporadic events but part of a long-term strategy to ensure traditional markets remain a vibrant heart of the community.

"Our goal is for this spirit of sharing to empower merchants and inspire citizens to rediscover the unique value of traditional markets," stated a representative from the Geoje Branch.

By bridging the gap between volunteers and local businesses, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group continues to prove that organized compassion is a key driver for regional prosperity.


Source:

- https://vo.la/C8ZLQwm

- https://vo.la/GImOnHV

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