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Leader of secretive South Korean church arrested in election influence investigation
Prosecutors say Lee Man-hee helped pressure more than 50,000 followers to join the People Power Party to sway primaries and seek church favors.
- On Wednesday, authorities arrested 95-year-old Shincheonji leader Lee Man-hee amid allegations he illegally recruited more than 50,000 followers into the People Power Party between 2021 and 2024 to influence elections.
- Liberal President Lee Jae Myung authorized the broader investigations into the administration of former leader Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted and convicted of rebellion over his December 2024 martial law imposition.
- Investigators suspect Lee aimed to secure favorable treatment and facility permits for the church, while the Seoul Central District Court issued the arrest warrant Wednesday night, citing his potential to destroy evidence.
- Since January, a special team has investigated alleged ties between religious groups and politicians, paralleling the arrest of Unification Church leader Hak Ja Han over bribery allegations involving Yoon's wife, Kim Keon Hee.
- Lee, whom the church describes as "the Promised Pastor," founded Shincheonji in 1984; the group claims about 200,000 followers and has denied all accusations against its leader.
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The cult founder is said to have pushed more than 50,000 cult followers to join the People Power Party for years. He may also have embezzled funds. The 95-year-old arrested in South Korea denies the allegations.
·Vienna, Austria
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Associated Press News+15 Reposted by 15 other sources
Leader of secretive South Korean church arrested in election influence investigation
The 95-year-old leader of a secretive South Korean church has been arrested as authorities widened an investigation into allegations that he illegally recruited thousands of followers into the conservative People Power Party to influence elections.
·New York, United States
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Total News Sources17
Leaning Left6Leaning Right3Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution40% Left, 40% Center
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources lean Left, 40% of the sources are Center
40% Center
L 40%
C 40%
R 20%
Factuality
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