SEOUL, South Korea -- The leader of the Shincheonji Church, Lee Man-hee, 95, was arrested Wednesday as authorities broadened an investigation into allegations that he illegally recruited thousands of followers into the conservative People Power Party (PPP) to influence elections. The Shincheonji Church has denied the accusations against its founder.
Since January, prosecutors and police have been investigating alleged ties between religious groups, including Shincheonji and the Unification Church, and politicians. This inquiry is part of wider investigations under South Korea’s current liberal government into the presidency of former conservative leader Yoon Suk Yeol.
The court cited Lee as a threat to destroy evidence in issuing the arrest warrant. Lee is suspected of using the church’s regional branches to pressure more than 50,000 followers to join the PPP between 2021 and 2024. Investigators believe this campaign, which allegedly included efforts to support Yoon’s presidential bid, was intended to secure favorable treatment for the church, such as permits to expand its facilities.
Lee’s arrest follows the indictment of Unification Church leader Hak Ja Han on allegations that she instructed church officials to bribe Yoon’s wife and a conservative lawmaker to secure business favors. Han has denied these allegations.
Former President Yoon was impeached and removed from office in April 2025 after a standoff with the liberal-led legislature over his brief imposition of martial law in December 2024. He is currently facing multiple trials and has appealed a life sentence for rebellion and a separate prison term related to charges of ordering drone flights over North Korea’s capital.
Liberal President Lee Jae Myung, who won an early presidential election last year, has authorized investigations into Yoon’s administration and associated allegations.
Shincheonji was established in 1984 by Lee, who is referred to by the church as “the Promised Pastor.” Other Christian groups have accused him of being a false prophet or cult leader. The church reports having about 200,000 followers worldwide. The Unification Church, officially the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, was founded in 1954 by Sun Myung Moon, who described himself as a messiah. The church is known internationally for its mass weddings.