A South Korean court has arrested Lee Man-hee, the 95-year-old founder of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, on suspicion of illegally mobilizing thousands of followers to join a political party to influence elections. The arrest warrant was issued on Wednesday by the Seoul Central District Court, citing a risk of evidence destruction.
Key Allegations
Prosecutors and police allege that from 2021 to 2024, Lee directed the Shincheonji Church's regional branches to pressure or recruit over 50,000 followers to join the conservative People Power Party (PPP). Investigators claim this campaign was aimed at influencing the party’s presidential and legislative primaries, including efforts to support former President Yoon Suk Yeol's 2022 presidential bid. In return, it is alleged that Lee sought favorable treatment for the church, such as permits for facility expansion.
Court Appearance
Lee appeared at the Seoul Central District Court on Wednesday afternoon for a hearing. He did not respond to reporters' questions. The Shincheonji Church has denied the accusations against him.
Broader Investigation
Lee’s arrest is part of a wider investigation launched in January 2025. A special team of prosecutors and police has been examining alleged ties between religious groups—including Shincheonji and the Unification Church—and politicians. This probe is linked to broader inquiries into the presidency of Yoon Suk Yeol, who was removed from office in April 2025 after being impeached and convicted of rebellion related to his declaration of martial law in December 2024.
Related Cases
In a separate but related case, Hak Ja Han, the leader of the Unification Church, was previously arrested and indicted on similar allegations of bribing Yoon’s wife and a lawmaker. Yoon's wife, Kim Keon Hee, was sentenced to four years in prison in April 2025 for receiving luxury gifts from a Unification Church official.
About Shincheonji Church
Lee Man-hee founded the Shincheonji Church of Jesus in 1984. The church, which means "new heaven and new earth," claims approximately 200,000 followers. Other Christian groups have accused the church of being a cult, and Lee has been labeled a false prophet by some religious critics.