Shincheonji Leader Detained Amid Election Influence Probe
The leader of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Lee Man-hee, has been arrested on suspicion of violating election laws and obstructing business. The Seoul Central District Court issued an arrest warrant for Lee on June 24, citing concerns about the destruction of evidence.
Allegations of Political Coercion
Lee is accused of pressuring Shincheonji members to join the People Power Party, a major political party, in the lead-up to the 20th presidential election and the upcoming 22nd general election. Prosecutors allege that these actions were intended to influence election outcomes and interfere with the party’s legitimate business operations.
The Joint Investigation Division, comprising prosecutors and police, is also investigating Shincheonji for allegedly providing organized support to former President Yoon Suk-yeol. Investigators believe this support was a form of repayment for Yoon’s alleged intervention in past investigations into Shincheonji, particularly during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 when the group was identified as a major source of infections.
Lee Man-hee Appears for Interrogation
Lee Man-hee arrived at the Seoul Central District Court around 1:45 PM on June 24 for a warrant-issuance hearing. He declined to answer questions from the press regarding direct instructions to join the People Power Party or support for President Yoon.
Following a nearly three-hour interrogation, Lee left the courthouse without making further statements.
Investigation Intensifies
The detention of Lee Man-hee is expected to accelerate the ongoing investigation into Shincheonji. The court had previously issued arrest warrants for three other former Shincheonji officials, including Lee’s former chief of staff, citing similar concerns about evidence tampering and the risk of flight.
Authorities are reportedly seeking to expedite the probe into Shincheonji’s activities following Lee’s arrest.
