At that time, an expert on Shincheonji Church of Jesus, The Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (Shincheonji Church) said, "It is true that, even though Shincheonji's doctrine has nothing to do with the coronavirus, Shincheonji received far more criticism than necessary because they have been targeted a minority sect."

Societal perception of Shincheonji has been solidified by the established Church's 'two-stage cult-framing'. Even after the verdict of the first trial in which the court sentenced Chairman Lee to prison on charges of obstructing the work of health authorities, Chairman Lee was acquitted of these charges. Nevertheless, the victimisation of Shincheonji Church has provided a platform for protestors belonging to the National Association of the Victims of Shincheonji to curse and even wish death on Shincheonji Church's Chairman Man-hee Lee.

It is a well-known fact that many members of the National Association of the Victims of Shincheonji who follow the supposed 'expert advice' of the established Church, label the minority Shincheonji Church as 'bogus heretics'.

Wherever they position themselves, the main content of their slander is centred on 'runaway children' or 'family breakdown', which they attribute to Chairman Lee's wrongdoing. In addition, they chant for the arrest of Chairman Lee, and maliciously disseminate charges of embezzlement or make direct accusations on his personal life. Protests feature coarsely synthesised photos and banners with provocative phrases.

On the 29th of last month, 'Member B' of  the National Association of the Victims of Shincheonji, hung a banner outside the front door of an apartment in Gyeonggi province with the words, "Why has the head of Shincheonji, the self-proclaimed 'saviour' of this era, embezzled 5.6 billion KRW?"

On a small banner read the words, "Shincheonji's 'Saviour Lee ***' is a religious conman who should receive a 3 or 4-year prison sentence for embezzling 5.6 billion KRW. Let it be done."

They also posted small placards and banners outside the front door of the same apartment on the 3rd, and continued making personal accusations against Chairman Lee with provocative phrases including, "The youth of Shincheonji have been deceived by the false hope of gaining eternal life in the flesh", and,`"Shincheonji is a place which encourages the young to flee from home."

In addition, the 'guilty' sentence given to Chairman Man-hee Lee for embezzlement of Shincheonji funds  at the trial is false, and the church has maintained that it will fight for the truth through second and third trials. Despite this, members of the National Association of the Victims of Shincheonji continue to speak publicly, promoting a culture of hatred and discrimination towards Shincheonji.

The slander by the National Association of the Victims of Shincheonji members disregards the basic rights of 250,000 Shincheonji Church believers. However, there are no existing sanctions on hate crimes towards minorities.

A believer of Shincheonji Church - 'Member C' (Anyang city, Gyeonggi province, Nam district)  who frequently witnessed protests by  Jeonpiyeon members - said, "It is very painful to see peoples' perceptions of Shincheonji being poisoned by unjustified hatred and discrimination."

In reference to witnessing their protest, this church member said, "I don't think I could possibly curse like they do unless I was possessed by an evil spirit", adding, “Chairman Man-hee Lee is the shepherd promised by Jesus. If one continues to slander Jesus' promised shepherd, I am concerned that Jesus' own righteousness will also be labelled a lie.”

An official from Shincheonji Church said, “If the National Association of the Victims of Shincheonji continues to conduct illegal behaviour such as dissemination of false information and defamation, we will no longer tolerate it and take legal action.”