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95-Year-Old Shincheonji Founder Arrested for Party Recruitment

6/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Lee Man-hee, 95, founder of Shincheonji, was taken into custody in Seoul.
Prosecutors allege he recruited thousands of followers into the People Power Party from 2021 to 2024 to secure permits.
Shincheonji, with about 200,000 members, denied the claims, citing Lee’s age and health.
The arrest follows earlier detention of Unification Church leader Hak Ja Han and other inquiries ordered by President Lee Jae Myung.

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Story summary

Lee Man-hee, 95, founder of Shincheonji, was taken into custody in Seoul.
Prosecutors allege he recruited thousands of followers into the People Power Party from 2021 to 2024 to secure permits.
Shincheonji, with about 200,000 members, denied the claims, citing Lee’s age and health.
The arrest follows earlier detention of Unification Church leader Hak Ja Han and other inquiries ordered by President Lee Jae Myung.