World News
South Korean authorities arrest Shincheonji Church leader over alleged political influence
Lee Man-hee is accused of directing tens of thousands of church members to join the conservative People Power Party to sway primary elections and win favors.
The short version
- South Korean authorities arrested 95-year-old Shincheonji Church founder Lee Man-hee over allegations that he illegally influenced political primaries.
- Investigators allege Lee pressured more than 50,000 followers to join the conservative People Power Party between 2021 and 2024 to secure favorable decisions, including facility expansion permits.
- The Shincheonji Church denied the accusations and expressed regret over the arrest, citing Lee's advanced age and health.
- The arrest is part of a broader investigation under President Lee Jae Myung's administration into religious groups' links to the administration of ousted president Yoon Suk Yeol.
Key facts
- The Seoul Central District Court issued an arrest warrant for 95-year-old Shincheonji Church leader Lee Man-hee, citing a risk that he could destroy evidence.[Associated Press]
- Prosecutors allege Lee used regional church branches to direct over 50,000 members to join the People Power Party between 2021 and 2024.[Associated Press]
- The Shincheonji Church denied the allegations against Lee and stated he had fully cooperated with the investigation.[Associated Press]
- Special prosecutors and police have been investigating potential ties between political figures and religious groups, including Shincheonji and the Unification Church, since January.[Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- The extent to which the alleged illegal recruitment drive succeeded in influencing People Power Party presidential and legislative primary outcomes remains unverified.[Associated Press]