Former Mongolian Deputy Prime Minister and human rights lawyer Oyunbaatar Tserendash has emphasised that the necessity, proportionality, and specific grounds for the pretrial detention of 95-year-old Shincheonji Chairman ManHee Lee should be carefully examined.

Tserendash stated that pretrial detention is not a punishment, but an exceptional procedural measure that must be justified by concrete circumstances. He stressed that the rule of law requires state agencies, prosecutors, investigators, courts, and defence counsel to protect fundamental rights, human dignity, and due process—regardless of a person's religion, political views, or social status.

He also cautioned against public statements by senior officials regarding ongoing criminal cases. The presumption of innocence applies not only in court but also to statements and actions by public institutions and officials. Authorities should accurately describe a person's legal status and avoid presenting allegations or unconfirmed information as established facts before a final court ruling.

Regarding Chairman Lee's detention, Tserendash said that being accused of a serious crime does not, by itself, justify detention. Courts should establish whether there is a genuine and specific risk of flight or interference with evidence. Factors such as a fixed residence, clear identity, cooperation with investigators, and whether key evidence has already been secured should be considered.

He further emphasised that Chairman Lee's age and health are relevant to the principle of proportionality. Rather than automatically releasing or detaining him based solely on his age or the seriousness of the charges, authorities should determine whether detention is truly necessary and whether less restrictive alternatives could address the identified risks.

Possible alternatives include bail, regular reporting requirements, travel restrictions, passport surrender, and house arrest. Tserendash stressed that the state bears the responsibility of demonstrating that detention is necessary, rather than requiring the individual to prove a right to freedom.

He added that the health, medical needs, and physical and psychological circumstances of people aged 95 or older should receive full consideration.

Tserendash clarified that these principles do not prejudge Chairman Lee's guilt or innocence. Rather, they reflect the fundamental principle that rights should be protected until guilt is finally established, and any restrictions on those rights should be limited to what is legally necessary.

He concluded that the strength of a rule-of-law state is measured not only by its ability to punish wrongdoing, but also by its commitment to justice, due process, and equal protection of fundamental rights.

During Korea’s summer heatwave, volunteers distributed ice-cold drinks, supported vulnerable citizens, and visited Korean War veterans to improve their homes and express gratitude for their service.

From 16th June - 14th August, the ‘Wise Summer Life’ initiative brought together 2633 volunteers, who supported 16,779 people across South Korea. More than 16,232 citizens also took part in campaigns and veterans’ remembrance activities.

Volunteers distributed more than 10,236 drinks, including ice water, watermelon punch, plum tea, and omija tea. They also provided 5542 heatwave-prevention items, including cooling towels, sleeves, fans, emergency kits, and saline glucose.

Beyond distributing supplies, volunteers held heatwave OX quizzes and, in some areas, provided health checks and ear acupuncture services for veterans.

Citizens were invited to write handwritten letters and cards expressing their appreciation for Korean War veterans. 1188 people participated, with many sharing personal memories and reflections.

One citizen in Daegu said, “My father is also a person of merit,” while others spoke about teaching younger generations to remember the sacrifices of veterans. In Cheongpyeong, citizens shared childhood memories of the Korean War, while in Jeongeup, one participant reflected on the value of peace after writing a letter.

Across the country, photo exhibitions, veteran biography displays, patriotic video screenings, and family-friendly activities helped younger generations learn about the veterans’ sacrifices. Customised gifts, including framed handprint maps, National Cemetery photographs, traditional knots, and 52 longevity photo frames, were also presented to veterans.

Volunteers visited 15 veteran households to improve their summer living conditions. They cleaned air-conditioner filters and fans, some of which had accumulated years of dust, and installed curtains and blinds.

They also delivered samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), fruit, and 218 sets of summer bedding, while spending time talking with veterans and reading letters written by citizens.

One veteran from Suncheon said he was grateful that citizens and students still remembered them. Another veteran from Mokpo said the volunteers’ efforts made him feel that his wartime service had not been forgotten.

The initiative extended beyond heatwave relief and veterans’ activities. Volunteers also supported local farmers and environmental efforts, helping with work on a 300-pyeong chilli field, harvesting 1000 sacks of corn, cleaning around war memorials, and collecting 300 litres of household waste.

The numbers—16,779 people supported, 16,232 citizen participants, and 2633 volunteers—show the scale of ‘Wise Summer Life.’ But its greatest impact was perhaps the connections created between generations.

A bottle of cold water offered with the words “Stay healthy,” a young person discovering a Korean War photograph for the first time, and a veteran smiling while reading a handwritten letter all carried the same message: remembering others and caring for them can become a lasting form of service.

Through ‘Wise Summer Life,’ summer volunteer work became more than heatwave relief—it created a cycle of sharing, remembrance, and gratitude connecting citizens with Korean War veterans.

Source: vo.la/kE6D8WE

Venerable Beopsan, President of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, stood in front of the Seoul Central District Court in the rain, striking a wooden Buddhist percussion instrument and calling for the prompt release and granting of bail to Chairman ManHee Lee.

At 8am on the 1st, Venerable Beopsan arrived at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, carrying a picket sign that read: “Please put life before religion. Please open a path of compassion and human rights for a 95-year-old elderly person. I earnestly appeal for a trial without detention.”

But his appeal went beyond words on a placard. Venerable Beopsan personally brought a wooden Buddhist instrument and expressed his plea through chanting and Buddhist practice, conveying the depth of his concern for Chairman Lee's situation.

Before beginning the protest, Venerable Beopsan said, “It is only natural to help in any way I can, and I am simply grateful that I am able to stand here together with others.” He continued, “I sincerely hope that the Chairman will be released from detention as soon as possible.”

He also remarked on the weather, saying, “Whenever I hold a press conference or protest in Seoul, I feel as though heaven is with us, even when it rains like this.” Explaining why he had brought the wooden instrument, he said he wanted to express those feelings through a familiar form of Buddhist devotion.

Even after the demonstration ended, however, his concern remained. Expressing frustration over the prolonged situation, he said, “I feel deeply frustrated that the issue surrounding the Chairman's arrest has not been resolved more quickly.”

He stressed that the matter should not end with a single protest. “It does not seem that this should end with a one-person protest,” he said. “Until the result we hope for is achieved, we must do something — anything — to ensure that the Chairman is released as soon as possible.”

His concern was so profound that he even raised the possibility of taking more drastic action, asking, “Should I go on a hunger strike?”

Reflecting on his decision to strike the wooden instrument and chant in front of the court, Venerable Beopsan explained, “I did it in the hope that even a small part of my sincerity might reach heaven.”

The demonstration may have been carried out by a single person, but its message extended beyond one individual or one religious community. Through the wooden instrument, chanting, and his appeal for compassion, Venerable Beopsan sought to draw attention to the human-rights concerns surrounding the detention and investigation of a 95-year-old man.

His protest was ultimately an appeal for humanity: that age, dignity, and human rights should not be overlooked, and that the case should be resolved with compassion, fairness, and urgency.

The figure initially circulated in political circles regarding Shincheonji members who had joined the People Power Party ahead of the 20th presidential election was “100,000.” Yet the Joint Investigation Headquarters of the Prosecution and Police reportedly identified 6482 people after comparing the actual Shincheonji Church of Jesus membership list with the People Power Party membership list. Of those, approximately 4560 are reported to have actually participated in the People Power Party's presidential primary.

At the time, approximately 570,000 people participated in that primary. The 4560 Shincheonji members therefore represented just 0.8% of the total. More importantly, the difference between first-place candidate Yoon Suk-yeol and second-place candidate Hong Joon-pyo was 46,177 votes. Even under the assumption that all 4560 voters supported one candidate, the result could not have been overturned.

These figures matter because the original allegation was not merely a numerical error. The difference between “100,000” and “4560” fundamentally changes the scale and potential impact of the alleged intervention. When an allegation of such magnitude is used to portray a religious organisation as capable of determining the outcome of a presidential election, presenting an unverified figure can itself have serious consequences.

The timing of the memberships also deserves scrutiny. Among the subscribers identified by the Joint Investigation Headquarters, 9355 reportedly joined during the presidential primary and immediately before the election, representing 16.6% of the total. The largest group, 35,073 people, reportedly joined during the party leadership primary rather than the presidential election. This creates a significant discrepancy between the narrative of mobilising members to “make a president” and the period in which the largest increase in membership actually occurred.

Yet despite these discrepancies, the consequences have not simply disappeared. ManHee Lee, the 95-year-old Chairman of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, remains in custody while standing trial.

On the 20th and 21st of last month, three people from different religious traditions staged consecutive one-person protests in front of the Seoul Central District Court. Chairman Kim Jun-yeon of the Sungkyunkwan Confucian Association, Monk Beopsan of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, and Pastor Lee Jung-kyung of the Interdenominational Presbyterian Church of Korea called for the immediate release of Chairman Lee, arguing that his detention and investigation were unjust.

Chairman Kim Jun-yeon, referring to Chairman Lee’s peace initiatives, emphasised that “the law must be applied to everyone by the same standards.” Pastor Lee Jung-kyung likewise argued that society should not stand by while an elderly person is detained and stigmatised because he belongs to a minority religion. On the 21st, the day of the bail hearing, Venerable Beopsan protested in the rain and bowed three times towards the courthouse gate, while also calling for consideration of prison overcrowding and conditional release.

Their religions were different, but the fundamental concern was the same: what happens when the scale of an allegation is dramatically larger than the facts ultimately established?

This is where the issue becomes one of justice rather than sympathy for a particular religion. A person or organisation should not continue to bear the full weight of an allegation after the factual basis for that allegation has materially changed. Nor should an arrest, investigation, or prosecution itself transform an initial accusation into a settled fact in the public mind.

The reduction from “100,000” to “4560” does not, by itself, establish that an arrest was unlawful or that no offence occurred. Detention must be assessed according to separate legal requirements, including risks such as flight or destruction of evidence. But the reverse is equally important: the existence of an arrest cannot be used to retrospectively validate the original scale or framing of an allegation.

That distinction is essential to justice. The presumption of innocence, equal treatment before the law, and proportionality lose their meaning if the most damaging version of an allegation remains embedded in public consciousness regardless of what subsequent investigation actually establishes.

This is therefore not simply a question of defending or attacking a particular religion. It is a question of whether the immense power of the state — investigation, prosecution, detention, and punishment — is being exercised in proportion to the facts of the case, and whether minority groups receive the same protection of due process as everyone else.

Ultimately, the court will determine the legal facts and responsibility. But another responsibility belongs to the press: to record accurately what was alleged, what was subsequently confirmed, and where the two diverge.

If the numbers changed so dramatically during the investigation, then the original figures and the narrative built around them deserve to be re-examined. If an allegation was amplified before it had been properly verified, those responsible for presenting it must also confront the consequences of that failure.

Because injustice does not occur only when the wrong person is convicted. It can also begin when an unverified accusation is presented as fact, when its scale is exaggerated, and when the correction arrives too late to undo the damage.

The final judgment belongs to the court. But ensuring that allegations do not become “facts” simply through repetition is a responsibility shared by investigators, prosecutors, politicians, and the press. When the numbers change, the narrative must change with them.

On the afternoon of the 1st, in front of the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, Venerable Jigwang, representative of the World Peace Practice Association, held a one-person protest calling for Chairman ManHee Lee to be tried without detention.

For approximately one hour, Venerable Jigwang stood quietly with his picket sign as cars passed and citizens headed home from work. Ignoring the looks of passersby, he remained focused on the courthouse, expressing his sincere appeal.

Explaining his motivation, he said that while observing the situation, he felt there were “many unreasonable and ethically difficult-to-understand aspects.”

He explained that although he initially felt only sorrow and sympathy, he eventually began questioning why the situation had to proceed in what he considered an unfair and one-sided manner.

“I couldn’t hide my extreme anger and frustration,” he said. “I decided that I would no longer keep it to myself, but would clearly make known what was wrong and speak up.”

He added, “Even if I face any disadvantages, I wanted to make known the injustice of this situation through whatever means I could, and demand that at least a minimum level of fairness and common sense be upheld.”

Describing himself as a “messenger of peace,” Venerable Jigwang said he regarded the protest as an act of practicing peace.

“I felt that it didn’t matter how passersby looked at me,” he said. “I am doing work for peace through this one-person protest today as an ambassador of peace.”

He also expressed sympathy for Chairman Lee, saying, “I feel heartbroken and sad when thinking about the difficulties that the elderly Chairman ManHee Lee must be facing. I think covering each other with love is the mark of a great person.”

After completing the one-hour protest, Venerable Jigwang bowed three times at the scene.

“As a missionary of peace, I raised my voice through this one-person protest with the hope that it would be of at least some help to the Chairman’s release on bail,” he said.

He further pledged, “I will participate in the protests two or three times if necessary until the Chairman is released.”

The picket sign carried the messages, “Please protect the health and human rights of the 95-year-old Korean War veteran” and “We earnestly appeal for a trial without detention for Chairman ManHee Lee.”

Venerable Jigwang emphasised the protection of the health and human rights of elderly war veterans and appealed to the court for a humanitarian and fair ruling.

Iraqi women’s rights activist Maha Al-Sakban has called for equal application of the law and protection of minority rights in relation to the detention of Shincheonji Church of Jesus Chairman ManHee Lee.

Al-Sakban said legal standards should not vary based on religion, belief or the size of a group. She also stressed that religious beliefs are personal and that majorities should not suppress minority voices or limit their participation in society.

Al-Sakban further called for judicial independence and objective application of the law, warning that political interests, public sentiment and media coverage should not influence court decisions.

She also raised concerns about the detention of elderly defendants, saying age, health and access to medical care should be considered. Referring to Chairman Lee, 95, she asked, “What can a 95-year-old actually do?”

However, there is no confirmation that political influence or religious discrimination played a role in Chairman Lee’s case. He is on trial over alleged violations of the Political Parties Act and obstruction of business, rather than charges related to his religious beliefs.

Chairman Lee’s legal team has sought bail, citing his age, health and detention conditions. Prosecutors allege that he pressured followers to join the People Power Party between 2021 and 2024 to influence party primaries.

Kenyan religious leaders and scholars have appealed to the United Nations to review the detention of 95-year-old Shincheonji Church of Jesus Chairman ManHee Lee, citing humanitarian concerns, religious freedom and due process.

Speaking in Nairobi, the scholars said they had endorsed a petition to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, calling for a humanitarian review of Chairman Lee’s detention.

They stressed that the appeal does not challenge South Korea’s judicial sovereignty, but seeks fairness, proportionality, non-discrimination and respect for fundamental human rights.

The group said Chairman Lee, who founded Shincheonji and the peace organisation HWPL, was detained on 24th June 2026, and indicted on what they described as non-violent political charges. They said his age and reported health concerns warrant humanitarian consideration.

Rev. Dr. Joseph Maryale said the campaign seeks to uphold international human rights standards and the rule of law, while Rev. Dr. Jechoniah Wambua Musembi stressed the right to freedom of conscience, belief and association.

Imam Abdul Haneen of Dawaah Center Adams Mosque said the appeal does not challenge South Korea’s judicial sovereignty, but calls for fair, impartial and humane proceedings.

The scholars also urged that public criticism of Shincheonji should not influence judicial proceedings, stressing that all religious communities deserve equal protection under the law.

They expressed hope that South Korea’s legal process would uphold the principles of justice, religious freedom and human rights.

The Ansan Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group held a Korean War veteran remembrance campaign on 29th August at Seongeo Park in Ansan, inviting citizens to reflect on the sacrifices and dedication of veterans.

During the “Wise Summer Life: Campaign to Remember Korean War Veterans,” volunteers displayed photographs related to the Korean War and explained their historical significance. They also distributed fan kits and bottled water to help citizens stay cool and healthy during the summer.

Over the course of the hour-long campaign, around 50 citizens received donated items and took time to remember the history of the Korean War and the sacrifices made by veterans.

Citizens expressed their gratitude, with one saying, “We are able to live thanks to the war veterans,” while another wrote, “I am who I am today because of your sacrifice.”

An official from the Ansan branch said, “As the generation that experienced the Korean War firsthand grows smaller, the sacrifices and dedication of veterans are gradually being forgotten. We hope this campaign encourages citizens to reflect on history and remember that today’s peace and everyday life were made possible through the sacrifices of others.”

The Ansan Branch plans to continue community-based volunteer and sharing activities supporting veterans, national merit recipients, and vulnerable groups.

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.

Source: vo.la/sVhpdob

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.

Source: vo.la/kZ2QxGG

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.