South Korean Authorities Arrest Shincheonji Leader Lee Man-hee Amid Political Influence Probe

South Korean authorities arrested Lee Man-hee, the 95-year-old founder of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, on Wednesday following allegations that he orchestrated a campaign to recruit thousands of followers into the conservative People Power Party (PPP). The Seoul Central District Court issued the warrant, citing concerns that Lee could destroy evidence related to the ongoing investigation into illegal political interference.

Why is the Shincheonji Church under investigation?

Prosecutors and police are investigating allegations that Shincheonji leadership pressured over 50,000 members to join the PPP between 2021 and 2024. According to investigators, the goal of this recruitment drive was to influence presidential and legislative primaries in favor of conservative candidates. Officials suspect the church sought to secure government permits for facility expansions in exchange for its political support. The church, which claims a membership of approximately 200,000, has denied these accusations, maintaining that its members joined political parties as individual citizens.

How does this probe relate to broader political scandals?

This arrest is part of a wider series of government investigations into the previous conservative administration. The current liberal government, led by President Lee Jae-myung, has initiated multiple inquiries following the impeachment and removal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol in April 2025. Yoon was impeached after a brief, failed attempt to impose martial law in December 2024. He currently faces life imprisonment for charges including rebellion and the unauthorized deployment of drones over North Korea to incite domestic tension.

Are other religious organizations involved?

The investigation into Shincheonji follows high-profile legal actions against the Unification Church, officially known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification. Hak Ja Han, the leader of the Unification Church and widow of founder Sun Myung Moon, was indicted earlier this year on charges of bribery. Prosecutors allege that she directed church officials to provide financial inducements to conservative lawmakers and the wife of former President Yoon, Kim Keon Hee, to secure business favors. In April, an appeals court sentenced Kim Keon Hee to four years in prison for her role in receiving luxury gifts from a church representative.

Key Context: A History of Controversy

The two organizations involved operate under different theological frameworks but share a history of public scrutiny regarding their political and social influence in South Korea:

• Shincheonji Church of Jesus: Founded by Lee Man-hee in 1984, the group is often characterized by mainstream Christian denominations as a cult. Lee describes himself as the “Promised Pastor” tasked with interpreting the Book of Revelation.
• Unification Church: Established in 1954 by Sun Myung Moon, the church gained international notoriety for its mass wedding ceremonies. It maintains extensive global business interests and has historically been a significant player in conservative political circles.

As the legal proceedings against Lee Man-hee move forward, the South Korean judiciary remains focused on determining the extent to which religious institutions successfully manipulated the nation’s electoral processes. The Shincheonji Church has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the specific conditions of Lee’s arrest.