On the 31st, despite the rain, 25 Christian pastors gathered outside the west gate of the Seoul Central District Court, wearing white raincoats and holding banners. They continued their appeal for humanitarian bail on medical grounds for 95-year-old Shincheonji Chairman ManHee Lee.

The pastors argued that detaining and investigating someone of such advanced age is highly unusual, noting that only five inmates aged 90 or older are currently held in correctional facilities nationwide. They called for Chairman Lee’s right to stand trial outside custody to be respected.

The Korea Christian Co-prosperity Council and the Korea Christian Leadership Institute held a “Press Conference of Pastors Urging Bail for Chairman ManHee Lee” at noon that day.

Pastor Seong-woo Lee of Yeonggwang Church cited statistics from the Ministry of Justice, saying, “According to Ministry of Justice data, there are only five inmates aged 90 or older in correctional facilities nationwide. This makes the detention of a person of such advanced age an extremely exceptional situation.”

He continued, “We must carefully consider whether there is a legitimate reason to continue detaining a 95-year-old man when such cases are extraordinarily rare, even among those accused of violent crimes.”

Pastor Lee also referred to international human rights standards, stating, “The UN International Human Rights Standards and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) recommend minimising pretrial detention and considering humanitarian release measures for elderly detainees.”

He emphasised, “We are not asking for an acquittal. We are asking that the trial proceed while the defendant remains out of custody, allowing him to receive appropriate medical care and fully exercise his right to defence.”

Other pastors likewise stressed that human life and fundamental rights should take precedence over differences in doctrine or denomination.

Pastor Jung-ja Yoo of the Lord’s Church said, “At 95, it is difficult for a person to manage even daily activities independently. At the very least, humanitarian consideration must be given to the life and health of an elderly person who is also a Korean War veteran.”

Taek-joong Jin, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Korea Christian Leadership Institute, said, “A trial can continue, but once health and life are lost, they cannot be restored.” He added, “I hope the strict application of law and principles will be accompanied by compassion and consideration for a frail human being.”

Pastor Sang-bae Kim of Seongji Church emphasised the distinction between detention and punishment, stating, “Detention is not punishment, and guilt or innocence is ultimately determined through the trial.”

He questioned, “Is it truly necessary to confine a 95-year-old man in a detention centre simply to conduct a trial?” He added, “Allowing him to participate in the proceedings while receiving medical treatment outside custody is consistent with the dignity of a nation governed by the rule of law.”

The press conference concluded with Rev. Hwa-yeon Lee, senior pastor of Faith Baptist Church, reading a joint statement on behalf of the participating pastors.

In the statement, they urged the judiciary to consider four key points: ▲ the life, health, and human rights of the 95-year-old defendant; ▲ his human dignity and right to defence; ▲ humanitarian considerations within the framework of law and legal principles; and ▲ the need for a prompt decision on his bail application.

Venerable Yongsan, head monk of Bogwangsa Temple of the Korean Buddhist Jogye Order, made these remarks immediately following the “3rd Joint Solidarity for Democracy and Religious Freedom” press conference, held on the 31st in front of the west gate of the Seoul Central District Court.

As a Buddhist leader, Venerable Yongsan cited the health risks associated with advanced age and what he described as an unjust detention investigation as reasons for calling for bail for Shincheonji Chairman ManHee Lee. He emphasised that, regardless of religious beliefs or denominational differences, the basic human rights and right to defence of an extremely elderly defendant must be respected.

In particular, Venerable Yongsan pointed to Chairman Lee’s age and the physical and psychological burden of remaining in detention. His position is that the judiciary should carefully consider whether it is appropriate to continue the investigation and trial while keeping a 95-year-old defendant in custody.

“After following Chairman Lee for nearly two years and verifying the facts, I found that he is a person who has travelled to more than 130 countries and worked for world peace,” Venerable Yongsan said. “It is excessive to detain a 95-year-old man and continue the investigation when the evidence has not been clearly established.”

He also stressed that the judicial process can continue without requiring the defendant to remain in custody. In his view, the necessity of detention should be assessed by balancing the defendant’s advanced age and health concerns against factors such as the risk of flight or destruction of evidence.

“If an elderly defendant were to collapse from the mental stress and shock of being held in a detention centre, no one would be able to bear responsibility,” he said. “Since there is no concern that he will flee or destroy evidence, measures should be taken to allow him to stand trial while remaining out of custody.”

Venerable Yongsan concluded by reaffirming his appeal: “The Republic of Korea is a liberal democratic nation and a state governed by the rule of law.” He urged the court and investigative authorities to “withdraw the unreasonable detention investigation and make a humanitarian decision while ensuring fair and just enforcement of the law.”

Source: vo.la/xCcCp55

The Shincheonji Church of Jesus’ Simon Tribe held a Bible Seminar for pastors at Seodaemun Church on the 28th, presenting its interpretation of the prophecies and fulfilment of the Book of Revelation.

Around 60 people, including approximately 30 pastors, attended the event. Tribe Leader Seung-ju Lee spoke on “Testimony on the Fulfilled Reality of Revelation,” emphasising the importance of examining Revelation according to its written sequence and context without adding to or taking away from its contents.

The presentation focused on the progression of events described in Revelation, including the seven seals, the opening of the book in Chapter 10, and the relationship between biblical prophecy and its fulfilment. Shincheonji argued that, if prophecy has been fulfilled, the people and events described should be identifiable and verifiable.

The gathering also addressed perceptions of Shincheonji and Chairman ManHee Lee. Lee stated that Shincheonji does not regard Chairman Lee as God or Jesus, but as a “Promised Shepherd” who testifies to what he says he has seen and heard concerning Revelation’s fulfilment.

The tribe encouraged pastors to evaluate Shincheonji’s teachings directly against the Bible rather than relying on rumours or pre-existing perceptions. Some attendees reportedly expressed interest in returning for future seminars after the presentation.

The Simon Tribe said it plans to continue providing opportunities for pastors and Christians to examine and discuss its interpretation of Revelation through Bible-based study.

On the afternoon of the 26th, Venerable Won-o of Gwanbulsa Temple in Wonju, Gangwon Province, held a one-person protest in front of the Seoul Central District Court, appealing for the release of Shincheonji Church of Jesus Chairman ManHee Lee on health and human-rights grounds.

Holding a sign that read, “Please consider the value of life once more. I earnestly appeal for leniency in consideration of life and human rights,” Venerable Won-o expressed concern over Chairman Lee’s advanced age and health.

He described the situation as “religious persecution and unfair treatment” of a Korean War veteran who dedicated himself to the nation, adding, “I will stay in my position until the end, thinking only of the Chairman.”

The protest remained peaceful, with Venerable Won-o standing quietly for about an hour without any confrontation.

He emphasised that the issue should go beyond religion or ideology, focusing instead on the life, health, and human rights of the elderly. He urged the court to consider medical bail, saying, “Human life and human rights must be valued above all else.”

Venerable Won-o concluded by expressing hope that the court would carefully consider Chairman Lee’s age, health, and human rights throughout the legal proceedings.

Source: vo.la/XMjL1AZ

At 8am on the 28th, Venerable Jagyeong, head monk of Hwamyeongsa Temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, held a one-person protest in front of the Seoul Central District Court, calling for bail and the release of 95-year-old Chairman ManHee Lee.

His picket sign read: “Your Honour, I earnestly appeal with the heart of a child worried about their elderly parent. Please grant bail to 95-year-old Chairman ManHee Lee as soon as possible.”

Despite difficulties at the scene, Venerable Jagyeong remained calm and respectful, bowing to each vehicle entering the courthouse.

“I wanted to perform 3000 bows,” he said. “Since I couldn’t due to the circumstances, I greeted those entering the courthouse instead.”

Overcome with emotion, he added, “I only hope for good news from the Chairman,” and briefly shed tears.

Passersby also offered words of encouragement, with one citizen telling him, “Stay strong.” Venerable Jagyeong thanked them and continued his protest.

Ahead of the first trial in September, he stressed the importance of continued attention and action, saying, “It is important to continue taking action until the first trial. I may appear again, so please contact me anytime.”

Though brief and peaceful, the protest conveyed a heartfelt appeal for consideration of the health, dignity, and human rights of the elderly.

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On the evening of the 28th, Pastor Young-kwang Seo held a one-person protest outside the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, calling for the release and well-being of 96-year-old Shincheonji Chairman ManHee Lee.

Despite the rainy weather, Pastor Seo remained outside the court for approximately one hour, holding a sign urging authorities to “put life and human rights first” and calling for Chairman Lee to be investigated without detention. The protest was intended to express concern for Chairman Lee’s health and to appeal for a swift resolution to the situation.

Pastor Seo explained that, as a Christian pastor, he felt compelled to speak out because of Chairman Lee’s advanced age and the difficulties he believed the elderly chairman was experiencing. He said he wanted to stand outside the court with a “prayerful heart,” expressing the concerns of an individual who wished to see the situation resolved peacefully.

Throughout the protest, Pastor Seo emphasised his concern for Chairman Lee’s health and expressed sympathy for the difficulties he believed Lee was facing. He said he prayed with the intention of sharing, in some measure, the hardship Chairman Lee was experiencing and hoped that similar circumstances would not arise again.

He also expressed his wish for a speedy resolution, saying that he hoped Chairman Lee would be able to return to his activities promoting peace. Pastor Seo encouraged Chairman Lee to remain strong, take care of his health, and draw strength from those who continue to support and pray for him.

Although the protest took place in difficult weather conditions, Pastor Seo remained until the scheduled conclusion. He reiterated his hope that Chairman Lee would overcome the current difficulties, regain his health, and eventually resume his peace-related work.

Following the protest, Pastor Seo left the court area while continuing to express his wishes for Chairman Lee’s health, strength, and a peaceful resolution to the situation. His one-person protest served as a public expression of concern for the elderly chairman, while highlighting his appeal for consideration of life and human rights and for the situation to be resolved as soon as possible.

Source: vo.la/9iUUGv4

Shincheonji Malawi Region held its first joint worship service and sports day with partner churches at Nyamiwaya High School, bringing together 129 church members from Blantyre.

The event focused on love, peace and unity among church members, followed by team activities including a Bible quiz, charades, three-legged races, group jump rope and relays. Trophies and stationery were awarded, with participants also working together to clean the venue.

Pastors from participating churches welcomed the event, highlighting its role in strengthening fellowship and unity. One pastor expressed hope that similar activities would continue regularly.

A Shincheonji Malawi official said the event demonstrated the value of cultural exchange and fellowship, adding that further activities involving partner churches are planned.

Participants sent messages of gratitude to loved ones and recognised sanitation workers, firefighters, delivery drivers and road maintenance crews for working through the summer heat. Volunteers also provided refreshments and calligraphy gifts featuring messages of appreciation.

One participant said the campaign prompted her to contact her mother after a long time, adding that receiving a heartfelt reply was especially meaningful.

A church official said the campaign aimed to highlight the importance of expressing gratitude and maintaining connections across generations.

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group John Tribe held a remembrance and heatwave relief campaign in Ganseok-dong, Namdong-gu, Incheon, on 27th August, with 17 volunteers taking part.

Volunteers distributed 43 bottles of cold water and shared guidance on preventing heat-related illness. They also invited citizens to write messages of thanks to Korean War veterans. Thirty-six people participated, each receiving a cooling scarf in appreciation.

One participant said writing the message provided an opportunity to reflect on the veterans’ sacrifice, while a volunteer said it was encouraging to see citizens readily take part.

Lee Hwang-ju, head of the John Tribe, said the campaign aimed to give citizens relief from the heat while remembering those who sacrificed for the country. He added that the branch would continue activities honouring war veterans.

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Despite travelling overnight from Gwangju, the monk stood outside the court holding a sign urging compassion and respect for Chairman Lee’s life and human rights.

Hyegwang said he felt young compared with Chairman Lee and wanted to do what he could to support him. He remained peaceful despite opposition from another protester and concluded by bowing three times and praying for Chairman Lee’s safe return and recovery.

The protest came on the 63rd day of Chairman Lee’s detention and highlighted calls for consideration of the health, dignity, and human rights of elderly detainees.

Taebaek Jingyo representative Lee Jong-chun held a one-person protest outside the Seoul Central District Court, calling for humanitarian medical bail for 95-year-old Shincheonji Chairman ManHee Lee.

Lee protested for about an hour, urging the court to consider Chairman Lee’s age, health, and human rights. He argued that detention was unnecessary because ManHee Lee could continue to face investigation and trial outside custody.

Lee emphasised that his appeal was humanitarian rather than political, saying the issue should be viewed in terms of one person’s life, health, and human dignity.

He said he hoped the court would make a fair and reasonable decision based on common sense and principle, and described his participation as a small contribution to someone he believes has devoted his life to world peace.

As South Korea transitions into a super-ageing society, emotional isolation and relationship breakdown among the elderly have emerged as critical social challenges. While public administrative systems provide financial and physical infrastructure support, minor gaps in emotional care often remain unaddressed. To bridge this divide, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group has been operating "Baekse Manse" (meaning "Long Live One Hundred Years")—a nationwide, participation-oriented silver programme designed to promote cognitive health, physical well-being, and genuine emotional stability for seniors.

In 2025, people aged 65 and over accounted for 20.3% of Korea’s population. With growing numbers of elderly people living alone, demand for companionship and practical support is also increasing.

Dongdaemun: For 11 years, volunteers have regularly visited senior centres, providing food, health activities, counselling, and companionship. They have held 134 activities involving more than 4000 seniors.

Cheongpyeong: Volunteers visited a rural village to provide hair care, hand treatments, dementia-prevention activities, crafts, and other services for around 30 seniors.

Yangsan and Wonju: Programmes included creative activities, tea gatherings, picnics, sports, quizzes, and cultural events designed to encourage social interaction and emotional well-being.

Jinhae and Masan: Volunteers combined meals, health exercises, health education, checkups, performances, and seasonal gifts.

Although programmes differ by region, the common approach is to understand seniors’ needs and provide consistent, personal support within their communities.

A Shincheonji Volunteer Group official said the organisation will continue developing locally tailored programmes and working with communities to help seniors enjoy healthier, happier lives.

Source: vo.la/ei2HkrY

The "Donggurang Plogging" event brought together 54 students, around 20 student council teachers, publicity staff, and volunteers. Divided into three teams, participants cleaned nearby roads, alleys, and residential areas, collecting around 500 litres of litter and cigarette butts.

The volunteers focused on areas where waste commonly accumulated. A local resident also directed them to a heavily littered area and thanked them after it was cleaned.

Despite the hot weather, participants said the experience was rewarding and meaningful. One volunteer said, “It was meaningful to serve the community together and see the area become cleaner through our cooperation.”

An Andrew Church official said the event demonstrated the students' and teachers' commitment to serving their community and added that the church plans to continue environmental clean-up efforts in areas needing attention.

Future activities will use designated zones and assigned roles for collection and waste sorting to improve efficiency.

The Western Incheon Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group carried out an environmental cleanup at the Marine Corps Sea Preservation Movement Headquarters office at Yeonan Wharf, Incheon, on 21st August.

The activity aimed to create a more comfortable space for national merit recipients and staff during the summer. Volunteers installed donated air purifiers and dehumidifiers, cleaned the office, reorganised its bulletin board, and displayed around 40 photos of the organisation's activities.

The group also presented AI-generated "memorable military photos" to Lee Deok-hee, a national merit recipient and head of the organisation.

Volunteers and national merit recipients took part in a handkerchief- and fan-painting activity while sharing refreshments and stories.

Nam Ju-won, 75, an organisation member, expressed appreciation for the volunteers' efforts, saying the cleaning and new equipment made the office more pleasant.

Lee Deok-hee also thanked the volunteers for their continued visits and attention to the office.

Choi Seung-eon, vice branch manager, said the activity was organised to improve the environment and expressed hope that the new air purifiers and dehumidifiers would benefit those using the office during the summer.

As personal mobility devices (PMs), including electric scooters, become increasingly common in South Korea, the Songha Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group is promoting safer use among both riders and pedestrians.

Since February, the group has held monthly safety campaigns at busy Gwangju locations, including the National Asian Culture Center, Mulbit Neighborhood Park, and Baegun Plaza Blue Path. Over six months, 70 volunteers and more than 1700 citizens participated.

The campaigns highlighted key safety rules, including holding a valid driver's licence, wearing protective gear, riding alone, observing the 25 km/h speed limit, and avoiding pavements and riding under the influence of alcohol. Volunteers also emphasised proper parking in designated areas to prevent PMs from obstructing pedestrians or commercial entrances.

To make the education more engaging, participants used a mobile game developed by the group to experience common PM safety situations and learn through interactive choices. Other activities included making reflective keyrings and safety items to improve nighttime visibility.

One participant in their 30s said the game helped them recognise dangerous behaviours and reinforced the importance of wearing protective gear and following traffic laws.

A citizen who observed the campaign welcomed the initiative, saying regular safety education at schools and other busy locations could help prevent accidents.

A Songha Branch official said, “PMs are convenient, but unsafe riding and improper parking can endanger and inconvenience both users and pedestrians.” The group plans to continue promoting PM safety and responsible parking, particularly in areas frequented by citizens.

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group honoured Korean War veterans in Jeonju and Ulsan on 14th August through practical support, personal care and citizen participation.

The Jeonju Branch visited 100-year-old veteran Jeon Man-seok in Jinan-gun, carrying thank-you letters written by local citizens. Volunteers repaired his home, replacing window rollers and screens, fixing flooring and a shoe rack, and clearing debris to improve safety.

His son expressed gratitude for the volunteers’ detailed care, saying the repairs addressed problems his father could no longer manage himself.

In Ulsan, volunteers provided haircuts and samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) to veterans at the Jung-gu Veterans Hall. Veterans unable to attend received meals at home.

The campaign also involved local citizens, who previously wrote thank-you cards and made Taegeuk-flower sock-yarn keyrings for veterans during heatwave-awareness events.

One veteran said that while he appreciated the meal and haircut, knowing that people had not forgotten their sacrifices meant the most.

The two branches said they will continue practical, citizen-participation campaigns to honour veterans and remember the sacrifices behind today’s peace.

In Jeonju, the core outreach focus was home renovation for 100-year-old veteran Jeon Man-seok and a delivery of citizen gratitude letters. The tangible impact and outcomes are replaced window sashes, screen doors, shoe racks and flooring, and a restored safe living environment.

In Ulsan, the core outreach focus was citizen-participatory street campaigns, hair-grooming service and samgyetang meal distribution. The tangible impact and outcomes are gathering citizen cards, handmaking Taegeuk keyrings, providing haircare service and delivering home-delivered hot meals.

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For 10 years, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group’s “Pink Bojabi” initiative has delivered homemade side dishes to seniors living alone, people with disabilities and other vulnerable residents, while providing regular social contact.

Launched in 2016, volunteers prepare nutritious dishes and personally deliver them to recipients. The programme has also expanded through local branches, with volunteers making regular visits and providing seasonal meals and welfare information.

Beyond food delivery, the initiative helps address social isolation. Regular visits allow volunteers to check on residents’ well-being and identify potential concerns, such as declining health or uncollected mail, which can then be reported to local community centres.

One long-time volunteer said that recipients who were initially hesitant now wait for their visits, adding that knowing they are safe is the greatest reward.

An elderly recipient also described the visits as an important source of companionship and practical support.

A local community centre official noted that government resources alone cannot provide daily monitoring of isolated households and said regular volunteer visits provide an important additional safety net.

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group said it will continue the programme to ensure vulnerable neighbours receive both practical support and meaningful human connection.

On 21st August, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Icheon Branch hosted a luncheon for 10 Korean War veterans at the Icheon branch of the Korean War Veterans Association in Gyeonggi Province.

Volunteers prepared and served homemade samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) while spending time with the veterans and listening to their stories. They also provided heatwave prevention kits containing cooling patches, wet wipes and bottled water, along with guidance on preventing heat-related illness.

Volunteer Lee Kyeong-hee said preparing a meal for those who defended the country was “a duty of gratitude.”

A branch official said the event was organised to honour veterans’ sacrifices while supporting their health during the heatwave, adding that the group will continue community programmes for veterans and other vulnerable neighbours.

A special prayer meeting calling for the release of Shincheonji Chairman ManHee Lee was held on the 19th at the Shincheonji Busan Church, attended by around 1000 believers and several pastors.

Pastor Park Shin-guk of Youngbok Church, Choi Dong-geun of the Jesus Life Mission Association and Pastor Moon Sang-heum of Tree of Life Church spoke about religious freedom, human rights and due process, noting Chairman Lee’s age of 95.

The event included worship, presentations and a joint prayer. Speakers emphasised viewing the case through the lens of religious freedom, encouraging solidarity among religious leaders and upholding the presumption of innocence and evidence-based judicial decisions.

A Shincheonji Busan Church official said the meeting aimed to raise awareness of religious freedom and human rights.

As crowded destinations, rising costs and busy schedules can make summer holidays stressful, interest is growing in quieter forms of rest, including “bookcations” that combine reading with relaxation and reflection.

Young people are increasingly viewing reading as a social activity rather than a solitary hobby. A 2024 survey found that young churchgoers particularly value Bible-based sermons that offer comfort, guidance and direction for life.

Responding to this trend, Shincheonji Church of Jesus is offering summer programmes centred on reading, reflection and community. Shincheonji Gwangju Church provides Bible reading, Quiet Time, transcription and memorisation programmes, while Shincheonji Wonju Church hosts book concerts combining Bible discussions with cultural performances and monthly book clubs.

The church is also offering summer camps designed to support busy and dual-income families. By providing facilities and activities, the programmes aim to give parents a break while offering children meaningful educational and recreational experiences.

One participant said the camp allowed her to reconnect with family members and create memories with her niece and nephew while providing children with a valuable learning experience.