Shincheonji leader Lee Man-hee, 95, faces charges including violating the Political Parties Act, which prohibits religious groups from political involvement, and obstruction of justice. He allegedly directed tens of thousands of followers to join the People Power Party (PPP) ahead of major elections.

Judge Kim Jin-man of the Seoul central district court issued the arrest warrant on 24/6, citing Lee's potential to destroy evidence.

Shincheonji leader Lee Man-hee at the Seoul central district court, South Korea, on 24/6. Photo: AP

Lee appeared frail during his court appearance, requiring assistance, and did not respond to reporters' questions regarding the accusations.

Investigators report that over 50,000 Shincheonji members were mobilized between 2021 and 2024 to support PPP candidates in the 2022 presidential election and the 2024 parliamentary nominations.

The PPP, a right-wing party in South Korea, achieved victory when Yoon Suk-yeol was elected president in 2022. However, due to President Yoon's unpopularity, the party lost the 2024 legislative election. Yoon declared martial law in 12/2024, leading to his impeachment. In 2025, PPP candidate Kim Moon-soo lost the presidential election to Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae Myung, positioning the PPP as the opposition.

Shincheonji previously drew significant attention during the 2020 Covid-19 outbreak in South Korea, with over 50% of the initial infections linked to the sect's followers. Lee was acquitted of public health law violations in 2021.

The case against Shincheonji is part of a wider investigation into religious interference in politics. South Korean prosecutors are also examining allegations that the Unification Church mobilized followers to join the PPP and fostered relationships with politicians through donations.

Lee, who proclaimed himself a "messiah", founded Shincheonji in the 1980s, convincing followers of his immortality. The organization remains controversial in South Korea and globally, considered heresy by mainstream churches.

Ngoc Anh (According to Reuters, AP, Chosun Biz)