Arrest of Shincheonji Leader Lee Man-hee in Seoul

On June 24, 2026, a Seoul district court ordered the arrest of Lee Man-hee, the 95‑year‑old founder of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus. Prosecutors allege Lee directed tens of thousands of followers to join South Korea’s People Power Party, violating the Political Parties Act that bars religious groups from partisan activity.

The court cited a risk that Lee might destroy evidence, prompting the warrant. In court, Lee appeared frail and offered no comment when questioned. Investigators say the scheme spanned the 2021‑2024 election cycles, mobilizing more than 50,000 members to support PPP candidates in the 2022 presidential race and the 2024 parliamentary nominations.

Lee’s leadership of Shincheonji, a sect founded in the 1980s and labeled a “brain‑washing cult” by mainstream churches, has long drawn public scrutiny. The group first entered the spotlight during the 2020 COVID‑19 outbreak, when a significant portion of early infections in South Korea were linked to its members. Lee was previously acquitted in 2021 of charges related to public‑health violations.

Legal experts view the case as a broader effort to curb religious interference in politics. Prosecutors are also investigating other groups, including the Unification Church, for similar activities and alleged monetary ties to political figures. The investigation reflects heightened sensitivity to the separation of religion and state in South Korea’s democratic system.

While Lee denies wrongdoing, the court’s decision underscores the government’s commitment to enforce the Political Parties Act and protect the integrity of the electoral process. The outcome of this case may set a precedent for how religious organizations engage with political parties in the future.

As the legal proceedings continue, observers will watch closely for further developments that could reshape the relationship between faith‑based groups and South Korean politics.