Detention of Lee Man-hee Draws International Criticism

Lee Man-hee, the 95-year-old chairman of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, was detained on June 24, 2026, on charges including violations of the Political Parties Act, and indicted on June 29-30. Authorities allege he directed the mass registration of about 50,000 church members into the South Korea — People Power Party between July 2021 and January 2024. Shincheonji Church of Jesus denies coercion, asserting members freely participated in political activities. The detention has drawn widespread international criticism from religious freedom groups and scholars, who argue it violates international standards such as the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners and the ICCPR, especially given Lee's age and the non-violent nature of the charges. Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho's public remarks, including quoting a Bible verse, have been criticized as prejudging the case and conflicting with state neutrality. International organizations, including Willy Fautré, Coordination des Associations et des Particuliers pour la Liberte de Conscience, CESNUR, and others, have held press conferences, submitted statements to the UN Human Rights Council, and signed letters calling for Lee's release. The case is seen as part of a broader pattern of pressure on religious minorities in South Korea, including the detention of Hak Ja Han of the Unification Church and ongoing concerns about Segero Church and conscientious objectors.