Leader of secretive South Korean church arrested on suspicion of election influence
Summary
Lee Man-hee, leader of the secretive Shincheonji Church in South Korea, was arrested for allegedly trying to influence elections by recruiting followers into the conservative People Power Party. Authorities are investigating ties between religious groups and politicians as part of wider probes under the current government.Key Facts
- Lee Man-hee is the 95-year-old founder and leader of the Shincheonji Church.
- The church claims about 200,000 followers.
- Lee is accused of pushing over 50,000 church members to join the conservative People Power Party from 2021 to 2024.
- The goal was to influence party primaries and support former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s bid.
- Investigators believe the church sought favors like permits to expand its facilities in return.
- Lee was arrested because he was seen as a risk to destroy evidence.
- The arrest is part of a broader inquiry into ties between religious groups (including the Unification Church) and politicians.
- This investigation follows the removal and prosecution of former President Yoon, who was convicted for rebellion and other charges after imposing martial law in 2024.
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