Noah Brown

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

On 14th August, the Jeonju branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group visited the home of member Jeon Man-seok, a Korean War veteran who turned 100 this year, and carried out volunteer activities to improve his living environment.

Jeonju: Home Repairs for a 100-Year-Old Veteran

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.

Ulsan: Haircuts, Meals and Community Support

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.

Dual-City Outreach Summary

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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Márk Nemes, Deputy Director of the Center for New Religions Research (CESNUR) is speaking at a press conference titled 'Religious and Expression Freedom in the Republic of Korea: International Concerns and Perspectives' held at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents Club in the Korea Press Center, Jung-gu, Seoul on 7th August

Márk Nemes, Deputy Director of the Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR), described his recent visit to Korea as “revealing,” saying firsthand meetings and field visits provided perspectives that cannot be gained from public information alone. He said he plans to continue researching Shincheonji and religious freedom based on what he observed.

Nemes spoke at a 7th July press conference in Seoul on religious and expression freedoms in Korea, where he also discussed cases involving Shincheonji in Europe, Argentina and Australia. He said the event successfully raised awareness of religious-freedom concerns, but stressed that continued discussion and research are needed.

He also emphasised that Shincheonji’s peace-related activities should be viewed as collective efforts involving members worldwide, rather than attributed solely to its leader.

Media and Government Have a Role

Nemes identified several reasons why minority religions often receive limited or one-sided coverage. Competition for views can encourage sensational reporting, while short-form content has made audiences less likely to engage with complex issues such as religious freedom.

He said readers also have a responsibility to seek balanced information, while governments and public institutions should help prevent discrimination and persecution of minority groups.

“The media must not become a source of incitement that fuels social conflict and tension,” he said.

Continuing Academic Research

Following his visit, Nemes said he would review relevant reports, publish academic research and continue studying Shincheonji. He expressed concern that overly negative public portrayals can obscure the diversity and reality of religious communities.

“I want to contribute academically to making the very grey and monotonous image currently surrounding Shincheonji more vivid,” he said.

Nemes concluded that religious communities should be examined from multiple perspectives, using diverse evidence and firsthand research rather than relying on a single narrative.

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Ven. Beopsan, President of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and Co-representative of the Joint Solidarity for Democracy and Religious Freedom, is holding a one-person protest in the rain in front of the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 21st, holding a picket sign appealing for the trial of Chairman ManHee Lee of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, without detention.

On the 21st, Venerable Beopsan, President of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and co-representative of the Joint Solidarity for Democracy and Religious Freedom, held a one-person protest outside the Seoul Central District Court as Shincheonji Church of Jesus Chairman ManHee Lee’s bail hearing took place.

Standing in the rain, he called for a careful judicial decision, holding signs including, “Please put life before religion,” and “Please show compassion and respect human rights for the 95-year-old.”

Ven. Beopsan, President of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and Co-representative of the Joint Solidarity for Democracy and Religious Freedom, is bowing three times towards the main gate of the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 21st after concluding a one-person protest.

Ven. Beopsan said he felt it was his duty to speak out peacefully, adding that he hoped his protest would help with the bail hearing. Afterwards, he stressed that advocacy should remain peaceful and avoid violence or abusive language.

He then bowed three times towards the courthouse, explaining that the gesture was intended to express his sincere wishes and offer whatever merit his actions might bring.

Ven. Beopsan reiterated his hope that Chairman Lee would be granted bail, citing his advanced age and health.

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A text message received last year by the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Pyeongtaek Branch from the Gyeonggi Provincial Volunteer Centre regarding the "Notice of Selection Results for the 2025 Pyeongtaek City Volunteer Day Award Recipients." The message informs that the Pyeongtaek Branch was selected as a recipient of the Center Chairman's Award and that the award will be presented at the ceremony on 20th November.

The Gyeonggi Volunteer Center has come under scrutiny after the Shincheonji Volunteer Group’s Pyeongtaek and Guri-Namyangju branches, which had been selected for the Center Chairman’s Commendation last November, were removed from the award list just one day before the ceremony.

The two branches were notified of their selection on 1st October after their volunteer activities had been reviewed. However, on 19th November, they were told the awards had been cancelled.

The Center said the decision was unrelated to religion and resulted from accounting deficiencies identified in a public contest project, including improper expenditures and repeated requests for corrections. It cited Article 15 of its awards regulations, which allows a commendation to be revoked if an eligibility issue is later discovered.

The Center also acknowledged that there had been no problems with the branches’ volunteer achievements themselves, stating that the cancellation followed a re-examination by its Public Service Review Committee. A Center official said the same standards are applied regardless of religious affiliation and expressed regret that the issues had not been identified earlier in the screening process.

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group, however, questioned the timing and consistency of the decision. It argued that the volunteers’ years of community service—including environmental cleanup, disaster relief, support for vulnerable groups and cultural activities—should be distinguished from administrative shortcomings.

The group also called for clarification on whether other organisations with similar accounting issues had faced comparable measures. It said that without disclosure of the specific grounds for the decision, questions about fairness are likely to remain.

The controversy has also drawn comparisons with Gyeonggi Province’s 2024 cancellation of a Shincheonji event at Imjingak Peace Nuri Park on the day it was scheduled to take place. Shincheonji previously alleged religious discrimination in that case.

There is currently no confirmed evidence that the latest award cancellation was motivated by religious considerations, and the Center firmly denies such a connection. Nevertheless, the combination of a completed selection process, the last-minute cancellation and the Center’s acknowledgment that the volunteer achievements themselves were not at issue has intensified calls for greater transparency and consistency in administrative decision-making.

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group said it will continue its community service activities, emphasising that evaluations should be based on the sustainability, social contribution and transparency of volunteer work—not an organisation’s name or religious affiliation.

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Venerable Yeoryang Jeonghye, the abbot of the 'Buddha's House' under the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, is holding a one-person protest in front of the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the morning of 19th August, holding a picket sign urging the release and leniency of ManHee Lee, the chairman of Shincheonji Church of Jesus.

On the morning of 19th August, in front of the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-dong, Seoul, a Buddhist monk stood alone on the sidewalk as streams of commuters passed by. He was Venerable Yeoryang Jeonghye, head monk of Buddha’s House, an incorporated association affiliated with the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. In his hands, he held a picket sign calling for the release and leniency of ManHee Lee, the 95-year-old chairman of Shincheonji Church of Jesus.

Asked why he had personally come to the courthouse to speak out on behalf of another religious leader, Venerable Yeoryang Jeonghye cited his “conscience as a religious leader.”

According to reports, fellow Buddhists at the temple had expressed concern and tried to dissuade him until the night before the protest. Some questioned why he would become involved in the affairs of another religion and endure the resulting difficulties. Others suggested that he simply remain at the temple. The monk, however, reportedly remained firm, saying that even if no one came to the temple, he believed it was more important to act according to his conscience than to worry about public opinion.

That decision did not come without anxiety. Venerable Yeoryang Jeonghye acknowledged that he was so nervous the night before that he could barely sleep. Nevertheless, he felt that someone needed to take the first step so that others might also find the courage to speak out. With that conviction, he decided to become the first person to hold a solo protest in support of Chairman Lee.

Once he arrived at the courthouse, however, his nervousness reportedly subsided. Watching the cars carrying people to work, he even found himself wondering which vehicle might belong to the judge.

Despite the scorching heat, he continued to hold his sign. He explained that he was there because he believed the principle of presumption of innocence should be respected and that no one should face unfair treatment because of their religious affiliation.

Venerable Yeoryang Jeonghye reiterated that allegations should be thoroughly investigated, but argued that religious leaders should not be subjected to harsher standards simply because of their position.

Regarding the 95-year-old Chairman Lee in particular, the monk called for his right to a full defence to be protected while he remains out of custody. He argued that the necessity of detention, as well as concerns about flight or destruction of evidence, should be examined carefully.

“Protecting the human rights of one person is protecting the human rights of us all,” he said, emphasising that the rule of law and respect for human dignity must be upheld together.

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On 8th August, a volunteer from the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Eastern Incheon Branch is cleaning an air conditioner at the office of the Incheon Council of Elders of the Marine Corps Veterans.

"The war ended decades ago, but for me, it has never truly ended..."

— Lim Jae-cheon (77), Vietnam War Veteran & Army Medic

As record-breaking heatwaves sweep across South Korea in July and August 2026—with feel-like temperatures soaring beyond 40°C —elderly war veterans faced severe health risks. Moving beyond public awareness rallies on city streets, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group took a direct, hands-on approach: entering the homes, offices, and veterans' halls of ageing heroes to provide tailored living support, summer health meals, and deep emotional companionship.

Here is a look at how volunteers delivered practical care and honour to veterans in Incheon and Gunsan.

Incheon: Health & Nutritional Support

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group Eastern Incheon Branch (Eastern Incheon Branch) visited veterans’ organisations in Jemulpo-gu, Incheon, on 8th August to provide cleaning, disinfection and pest-control services. Fifteen volunteers participated to help elderly members stay safe and comfortable during the prolonged heatwave.

Volunteers cleaned air-conditioner filters, refrigerators and fans, carried out pest control, rearranged facilities and checked air-conditioning systems. They also distributed watermelons and provided guidance on heatwave safety and the use of parasols.

An official from the Incheon Association of Marine Corps Veterans said, “Most of our members are elderly, so it is difficult for them to clean air conditioners or carry out disinfection themselves. Thanks to the volunteers, we can now use the facilities with greater peace of mind.”

Incheon Branch manager Kim Su-cheon said, “Even small improvements can help protect elderly people from heat-related illnesses. We will continue providing seasonal volunteer services tailored to local needs.”

On 8th August, a volunteer from the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Eastern Incheon Branch is disassembling a fan at the office of the Incheon Council of Elders of the Marine Corps Veterans.

On 8th August, a volunteer from the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Eastern Incheon Branch is disassembling a fan motor at the office of the Incheon Council of Elders of the Marine Corps Veterans.

Gunsan: Living Space Care & Summer Supplies Delivery

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group Gunsan Branch, led by Lee Han-bit, visited three Korean War veterans’ homes on the 4th and 6th August to provide summer supplies and improve their living environments. The activity followed the “Wise Summer Life” campaign from the previous month.

Volunteers delivered electric fans and summer bedding, installed sun-blocking curtains, reorganised furniture and clothes storage, sorted old clothing and expired medicines, and thoroughly cleaned the homes. They also delivered handwritten letters from local citizens and Taegeukgi flags featuring children’s handprints as expressions of gratitude.

Veteran Jang Gil-seon, 93, said, “I am deeply grateful that they organised my belongings and thoroughly cleaned my home despite the sweltering heat. It feels like a completely new house.”

Lee Soon-sung of the Korean War Veterans Association said the donated fans and bedding would help members get through the summer more comfortably.

Lee Han-bit said, “Many Korean War veterans are elderly and vulnerable to the heatwave, so we identified their needs and provided targeted support. We will continue honouring and supporting those who devoted themselves to protecting our country.”

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group is installing curtains at the home of a war veteran on 6th August.

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group is cleaning up the home of a war veteran on 4th August

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From left: Hans Noot, Associate Director, Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF); Márk Nemes, Deputy Director of the Center for New Religions Research (CESNUR); Thierry Valle, President, Coalition for Freedom of Conscience (CAP LC); Michael Langhans, Executive Director of the Forum for Religious Freedom in Europe (FOREF) Germany; and Massimo Introvigne, President of the The Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR)

In an interview with Cheonji Ilbo, a South Korean daily newspaper founded in September 2009 that covers general news, politics, culture, and religion, five international experts specialising in human rights and religious freedom who recently visited Korea highlighted a shared message for Korean society: fundamental rights must apply universally. They stressed that freedom of religion, expression and association, along with human dignity and due process, should be protected equally for all groups, including those that may be socially controversial or unpopular.

The experts— Hans Noot, Associate Director, Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF); Márk Nemes, Deputy Director of the Center for New Religions Research (CESNUR); Thierry Valle, President, Coalition for Freedom of Conscience (CAP LC); Michael Langhans, Executive Director of the Forum for Religious Freedom in Europe (FOREF) Germany; and Massimo Introvigne, President of the The Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR)—shared their perspectives on religious freedom in Korea and the treatment of minority religions before and after a press conference held at the Korea Press Center in Seoul on 7th August.

◆ “The Detention of a 95-Year-Old Should Be Assessed According to the Principle of Proportionality”

One of the main issues raised during the experts’ visit was the detention of ManHee Lee, chairman of Shincheonji Church of Jesus. The experts made clear that they were not seeking to determine whether he was guilty or innocent of the charges against him. Instead, they questioned whether the pretrial detention of a 95-year-old defendant was genuinely necessary and whether the same objectives could be achieved through less restrictive measures.

Hans Noot, who personally visited Chairman Lee at the detention facility, said that determining guilt is the responsibility of the judiciary, but assessing whether detention is necessary is a separate issue. He suggested that alternatives such as bail or house arrest could be considered where appropriate.

Thierry Valle likewise identified human dignity as a key consideration. He argued that authorities should carefully examine whether detention is necessary for defendants who are protected by the presumption of innocence, or whether their release on bail or under appropriate supervision could achieve the same objectives. He also noted that international human rights mechanisms, including the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD), could potentially be considered where appropriate.

Michael Langhans focused on both the proportionality of detention for elderly defendants and their right to adequately prepare a defence. He questioned whether a defendant can sufficiently prepare for trial while detained under circumstances involving restrictions on visitation and access to necessary resources.

Massimo Introvigne similarly argued that the detention of elderly, non-violent defendants warrants particularly careful scrutiny. He referred to the Mandela Rules and relevant European standards as frameworks that recognise the importance of considering the circumstances and dignity of detainees.

◆ “When Reporting on Minority Religions, Facts Must Come Before Stigmatisation”

The experts also highlighted concerns about how minority religions are portrayed by the media and perceived by society.

Thierry Valle emphasised the importance of responsible fact-checking, particularly at a time when unverified claims and provocative images can spread rapidly through social media. He acknowledged that criticism and public debate are protected forms of expression, but stressed that religious groups should not be condemned or stigmatised solely on the basis of rumours or unverified allegations.

Márk Nemes described his visit to Korea as a “revealing” experience, explaining that personally visiting relevant locations and meeting members allowed him to gain perspectives that could not be obtained from externally formed perceptions alone.

He identified several factors that may contribute to inadequate coverage of minority religions, including media revenue models, the public demand for sensational content, and the role of government and public institutions.

Nemes argued that the media should not contribute to social division or conflict and that governments have a responsibility to protect socially marginalised communities from aggressive or discriminatory behaviour. He also said he intends to continue researching new religious movements, including Shincheonji, drawing on relevant reports, data and findings from his visit to Korea.

◆ “The Same Fundamental Rights Standards Must Apply to Minority Groups”

Massimo Introvigne discussed the situation in Korea through what he calls the “Rome Model,” which describes how restrictions on religious freedom can develop in stages.

According to this framework, the process may begin with intolerance, in which distorted or negative perceptions of a particular group become widespread. This can progress to discrimination, including discriminatory laws or administrative measures, and potentially develop into persecution, including hate crimes or physical violence.

While acknowledging that South Korea is a democratic country, Introvigne noted that democratic systems are not automatically immune from intolerance or discrimination against minority religions.

He cautioned that when a particular religious group is consistently described using negative labels such as “heresy” or “cult,” while only critical perspectives are presented, it can become difficult for society to develop a balanced understanding of that group.

The five experts also stressed that their press conference should not be regarded as a one-time event.

Hans Noot expressed concern that freedom of religion, freedom of expression and freedom of association are interconnected rights. He warned that weakening one of these freedoms could have broader consequences for other fundamental rights.

Michael Langhans described the press conference as a “first step” and said that related discussions would continue in Germany and elsewhere in Europe.

Ultimately, the experts raised a fundamental question: Are the same standards of human rights being applied to minority groups, particularly those at the centre of public controversy, as are applied to the majority?

Regardless of religious doctrine, public opinion or social controversy surrounding a particular group, they emphasised that freedom of religion, expression and association, as well as due process and human dignity, should be protected equally for everyone.

Source: https://www.newscj.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=3426244

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A young member is teaching elderly private car owners how to use traffic and mobility apps on smartphones and tablets during a safe driving campaign for senior drivers held at Shincheonji Busan Church on 11th August.

A heartwarming community initiative in Busan is helping elderly drivers stay safe on the road while supporting their right to remain mobile and independent.

On 11th August, Shincheonji Busan Church launched its “Beautiful Companion” campaign, involving 48 elderly private-car drivers among its advisory members. The initiative aims to prevent accidents involving older drivers while ensuring that they are not unnecessarily deprived of their mobility.

Rather than simply encouraging elderly people to stop driving, the campaign focuses on helping them assess their driving abilities, address potential safety concerns, and explore alternative transportation options where necessary.

As part of the programme, participating seniors underwent customised cognitive assessments designed to help them objectively evaluate changes in their physical and cognitive abilities. Of the participants, 41 signed a safety pledge, committing themselves to safer and more responsible driving.

For participants who did not meet certain driving standards or needed additional safety measures, the organisers provided information about installing pedal misoperation prevention devices. They also assisted with the application process and paperwork, helping to reduce the administrative burden for elderly drivers.

The campaign also distributed magnetic vehicle stickers bearing messages such as “Elderly person is on board” and “Thank you for your consideration.” The stickers are intended to encourage other road users to exercise greater caution and consideration around elderly drivers.

Young adult members of the Busan Church also played an important role by providing personalised guidance on digital transportation services. They taught seniors unfamiliar with smartphones and other digital devices how to call taxis, search public transportation routes, and use mobility applications. In this way, the initiative went beyond promoting safer driving by helping elderly people become comfortable with alternative forms of transportation.

Song Jun-sik, 72, from Saha-gu, who participated in the campaign, said, “I could feel my reflexes declining as I grew older, but I didn't know what to do because I couldn't simply stop driving.” He added, “The young people helped me apply for safety equipment and patiently showed me how to use alternative transportation apps. It eased many of my concerns.”

He continued, “I now feel more confident that I can protect not only myself but also other people on the road.”

Shincheonji Busan Church plans to develop the “Beautiful Companion” campaign into a regular welfare programme. It also intends to expand traffic-safety education to senior welfare centres and veterans' organisations throughout Busan.

Further support, including material assistance and mobility services, is also planned for people who face difficulties accessing transportation.

Lee Young-no, head of the Busan James Branch, said, “The issue of elderly drivers is not something that should be left to individuals or addressed solely through existing systems. It is a challenge that the whole community needs to consider and work together to resolve.”

He added, “We will continue to harness the energy and abilities of young people to help build a caring local community where elderly residents can remain safe, respected, and supported.”

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