Amid summer heat and holiday seasons that worsened blood shortages, young volunteers in Jeonbuk showed love stronger than blood. The Shincheonji Volunteer Group Jeonbuk Branch has been working tirelessly to save lives through continuous blood donation campaigns.

From 6th - 24th July 2026, a total of 460 volunteers joined the 2026 Blood Donation Campaign, now in its 19th year, helping stabilise the local blood supply and offering hope to patients in need.

Jeonbuk, a region facing population decline and ageing, is proving that compassion has no limits. Young volunteers from Jeonju, Iksan, Gunsan, and Jeongeup partnered with the Korean Red Cross Jeonbuk Blood Center to donate blood through both mobile buses and personal appointments.

Their goal was 400 participants—but they exceeded it with 460 donors. Over the past three years, the Jeonbuk branch has reached a total of 4500 blood donations and contributed donation certificates worth over 45 million KRW (c.£24,000).

This steady participation has not only helped hospitals but also inspired many citizens to see blood donation as a simple act of love that saves lives.

Many participants shared touching reasons for joining.

Jong-su Kim (43, male), who has been participating in blood donation for 20 years and recently completed his 272nd blood donation, said:

“I used to get out of breath even after running just a little, but I started taking care of my health thanks to blood donation,” and added, “It is killing two birds with one stone, as I can take care of my own health while contributing towards life-saving blood donation.”

A representative from the Jeonbuk Blood Centre expressed gratitude, saying,

Yong-woo Lee, head of the Jeonbuk Branch, said,

Since 2023, the group has gathered over 1500 donors every year, and by the end of this year, they plan to hold another mobile blood donation bus campaign to ensure a stable blood supply during the winter season.

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A meeting on the human rights and due process of the very elderly was held on 27th July in Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul.

The event, themed "Speaking of Human Rights and Human Dignity," was attended by religious leaders from Protestant and Buddhist communities, including Venerable Gokdam, Pastor Bae Geon-hee, and Park Won-jung.

Following the recent arrest of ManHee Lee, chairman of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, on charges of violating the Political Parties Act, participants discussed whether the constitutional principles of freedom of religion and equality before the law are being applied fairly and impartially to all citizens.

Venerable Gokdam said, “While the law must be enforced fairly, the health and life of a suspect must also be fully protected. Seeing the detention of 95-year-old Chairman Lee reminds us, as people of faith, that we must not lose our compassion for human life.”

Park Won-jung emphasised the importance of upholding universal human rights, stating, “Every individual is entitled to fundamental rights and humane treatment through lawful procedures under all circumstances. In particular, special consideration should be given to the health and safety of the very elderly.”

He added, “I hope our society continues to develop into a mature community that upholds the rule of law while respecting compassion and human dignity.”

Participants agreed that freedom of religion and human rights are not privileges reserved for particular groups, but constitutional values that must be guaranteed equally to every citizen.

They also called for a review of Chairman ManHee Lee's detention and urged the creation of a society in which people of different faiths can coexist in harmony.

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Nicolás Arroyo Ramos, a Dominican journalist, lawyer, and representative of Moca visión, has called for the release of ManHee Lee, the detained chairman of Shincheonji Church of Jesus.

In an article published by the Dominican news outlets El Nuevo Diario and El Sol de las Américas, Arroyo Ramos argued that, given Chairman Lee's advanced age and health condition, prolonged detention could effectively amount to a death sentence.

Commenting on Chairman Lee's detention, Arroyo Ramos said, “This case goes beyond a simple judicial procedure. Given his advanced age, progressive physical, motor, and cognitive decline, and the various health conditions he suffers from, prolonged detention could result in an outcome that is effectively equivalent to a death sentence.”

He further stressed that the court handling the case should fully take into account Chairman Lee's age and physical and mental condition in accordance with the principles of international public law.

Representative Nicolás Arroyo Ramos said, “I respectfully urge the court to give full consideration to Chairman Lee's physical and mental condition in light of his advanced age, his longstanding religious leadership, and his lifelong dedication to promoting peace both in South Korea and internationally.”

He argued that the trial should proceed under house arrest rather than pretrial detention, asserting that there is no risk of Chairman Lee fleeing.

“As there is no risk of flight, I respectfully request that the judicial proceedings be conducted under house arrest to ensure due process and to fully protect his fundamental human rights, including the rights to life, health, food, and human dignity,” he said.

Arroyo Ramos described Chairman Lee as “one of the world's most prominent peace advocates,” adding, “Through Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), the international peace organisation he founded, he has led a wide range of initiatives to promote peace worldwide and has achieved meaningful and tangible results.”

He also expressed concern that prolonged legal proceedings combined with continued detention could pose a serious threat to Chairman Lee's life. “Many people believe that subjecting him to excessively lengthy legal proceedings while in detention is effectively tantamount to a death sentence,” Arroyo Ramos said.

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Amid summer heat and holiday seasons that worsened blood shortages, young volunteers in Iksan, Jeonbuk showed love stronger than blood. This effort came in response to a request from the Korean Red Cross Jeonbuk Blood Center, addressing the urgent blood supply crisis caused by the recent respiratory illness outbreak and the holiday season.

Jeonbuk, a region facing population decline and ageing, is proving that compassion has no limits. Young volunteers from Iksan partnered with the Korean Red Cross Jeonbuk Blood Centre to donate blood through both mobile buses and personal appointments.

A total of 120 people participated in the group blood donation event, with 60 donors giving blood at the on-site bloodmobile and another 60 at the local blood donation centre. In total, 120 blood donation certificates were submitted to the Jeonbuk Blood Centre.

This steady participation has not only helped hospitals but also inspired many citizens to see blood donation as a simple act of love that saves lives.

Many participants shared touching reasons for joining.

Park Se-yong (34), who participated in the blood donation event, said, “Despite the sweltering heat, I decided to donate blood because I believed it could make a difference to someone in need.” He added, “I plan to take good care of my health so I can continue participating in this life-saving act.”

Kim Dong-gi, Director of the Jeonbuk Blood Centre, confirmed that “The donated blood will be used to help patients in urgent need of treatment.”

Through We Are One’s consistent campaigns, Iksan's youth have shown that love and compassion can overcome any crisis. Their message is simple yet powerful:

By giving their blood, they are also giving hope—proving that the greatest miracle is the love that flows from one heart to another.

This blood donation campaign highlights the value of addressing blood shortages and sharing life through blood donation, leaving a lasting positive impact on the community.

With global meteorological agencies warning of unprecedented summer heatwaves, protecting the health and living conditions of vulnerable elderly citizens has become a major regional safety priority. This necessity is particularly acute for Korean War veterans in their 80s and 90s, who often face physical limitations in managing household hygiene and seasonal preparation. To express civic gratitude and offer direct health support, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Chuncheon Branch executed its specialised "Wise Summer Living" outreach project on 30th July, targeting Korean War veterans and their families in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province.

The nutritional support initiative began early in the morning to ensure food safety and quality:

Early Morning Preparation: Starting at 5:00 AM, branch volunteers gathered to manually wash, prep, and simmer ingredients to cook approximately 50 portions of traditional Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup).

Direct Presentation: The prepared meals were delivered directly to the Chuncheon Korean War Veterans Association headquarters. Volunteer Park Hyeon-suk (47, female) reflected, “We will never forget the Republic of Korea you defended and your courage and sacrifice,” and “We will inherit the freedom and peace protected by the dedication of the war veterans and live our lives loving our country.”

Recipient Response: An official from the Chuncheon Battle Commemoration Association expressed deep appreciation, noting how grateful the members were for the thoughtful seasonal support during the intense heat.

On that day, the Chuncheon Branch operated a specialised health and wellness consultation clinic at the Chuncheon Veterans Hall, catering directly to 6·25 Korean War veterans:

Medical Consultations: Professional nursing personnel accompanied the volunteer team to perform direct physical assessments, measuring blood pressure and blood sugar levels, followed by personalised health counseling.

Heatwave Safety Guidance: On-site medical personnel advised senior veterans on proper hydration, avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours, and managing chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes during extreme weather.

Hydration Relief: Following the health check-ups, fresh watermelons were served to help the attending veterans cool down and stay hydrated.

In conclusion, Gong Jeong-hee, Vice Branch Manager of the Chuncheon Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group, stated, “We wish to express our gratitude to the war veterans and their families who made today's Republic of Korea possible.”

Venerable Hyein, head of the Education Institute of the Korean Buddhist Mita Order and abbot of Hwaeomsa Temple in Daejeon, commented on the recent arrest of 95-year-old ManHee Lee, Chairman of Shincheonji Church of Jesus.

Venerable Hyein pointed out, “The Buddha taught that if prejudice and attachment take root in the mind, one cannot see the true nature of things correctly.”

In particular, he criticised the actions of a senior public official, who is entrusted with upholding the rule of law and justice, for publicly calling for severe condemnation and punishment of a specific religious group before the court had reached a verdict. He emphasised that such conduct should not be taken lightly.

The monk stated, “Article 20 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea, which establishes the principle of separation of religion and state, serves as a cornerstone of democracy by requiring both the government and religious organisations to respect each other’s spheres of authority and refrain from interfering in one another’s affairs.”

He continued, “Stigmatising a particular religion and fuelling public hostility against it undermines the constitutional principle of separation of religion and state. It is a serious matter that could erode public confidence in the judiciary.”

He further emphasised, “Judgments influenced by prejudice will ultimately leave society with distrust rather than justice.”

He further lamented, “The current situation, in which an elderly religious leader has been detained on the grounds of flight risk and potential destruction of evidence, is a matter that our society must carefully reflect upon.”

He added, “Given that multiple rounds of compulsory investigations have already been conducted, it is difficult not to question whether sufficient consideration was given to the physical condition, health, and human dignity of a 95-year-old individual in reaching this decision.”

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To honour the historic sacrifices of Korean War veterans while providing practical heatwave relief to urban commuters, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Seongnam Branch executed its specialised "citizen-participatory veterans'" campaign on 30th July. Operations were conducted near the Moran Market intersection in Seongnam. The initiative combined direct heat mitigation with interactive public programmes, allowing citizens across generations to express tangible gratitude to national defenders.

The core highlight of the street outreach was an interactive booth where passing pedestrians and local families could write personal messages of thanks to living Korean War heroes:

- Diverse Civic Participation: Citizens of all ages paused to participate, including primary school students who carefully composed handwritten notes for the veterans.

- Youth Engagement: A resident in their 20s noted that the veterans would feel deeply appreciated upon reading the messages. Additionally, young adults who had previously participated in similar remembrance programmes in the region voluntarily visited the booth to share heartfelt written tributes.

The thank-you messages written by citizens were delivered to the Korean War Veterans Association.

A young person who participated in the volunteer work said, “Seeing citizens remember war veterans while writing thank-you messages made me realise the true meaning of volunteering,” adding, “It served as an opportunity to reflect on the fact that our current peace is built upon someone’s sacrifice.”

Another citizen who witnessed the volunteer activity said, “I experienced the Korean War firsthand,” adding, “I was saddened to see this history being forgotten these days, but I am grateful to see young people taking the lead in remembering it and engaging in volunteer activities even in the sweltering heat.”

In Korea, summer isn't just about enduring the heat—it's about sharing warmth in another way. Every year, during Chobok (초복), the first of three Boknal days marking the hottest periods of the season, Koreans turn to a unique tradition: eating Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) - a  traditional Korean dish of whole chicken stuffed with rice, ginseng, garlic, and jujube, immersed into a rich, restorative soup - to replenish energy and strengthen the body.

But in Changwon, that tradition was made even more meaningful.

Alongside the meal, the day included experiential programmes, including aromatherapy, hair and beauty services, and making fans using handprints, giving participants a chance to beat the heat with creativity and laughter. They also delivered hygiene product sets consisting of toothpaste and toothbrushes.

Youth volunteer Choi Jeong-ja shared her touching experience:

“Seeing the bright smiles of the veteran elders touched my heart,” and “I will never forget that the peace and happiness we enjoy today were built upon the sacrifices of heroes.”

This simple act of connection shows how service not only gives—but transforms.

Recent controversy over members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (Shincheonji), joining political parties has expanded beyond religious circles into the broader political and public arena. Some politicians have raised allegations of organised recruitment, while parts of the media have highlighted these claims based on testimonies from former members and external sources. However, the perspectives of the members who actually joined political parties and have been at the centre of the controversy have, until now, been largely absent from media coverage.

On the 21st, the Korean national daily newspaper and online media outlet Cheonji Ilbo interviewed six Shincheonji members who joined the People Power Party, speaking with them directly about how they came to join the party, their views on political participation, and their reactions to the recent controversy. Despite differences in age, occupation, and political orientation, all six shared the same message: "Joining the party was a personal decision made of my own free will."

They also emphasised that "most Shincheonji members have little interest in politics and are primarily focused on their faith," urging the public not to "use a handful of isolated cases as a basis for political framing or partisan conflict."

The interviewees said their decisions to join a political party were driven by a variety of factors, including regional circumstances, recommendations from acquaintances, and their own political beliefs.

Byeon Jong-ho (58, Gangneung), a member of the People Power Party, said he joined the party naturally through his involvement in local community activities. "There was absolutely no coercion or outside pressure," he said, explaining that he joined because he wanted to contribute to the development of his community and had never received any religious instruction to do so.

Park Ji-ho (31, Cheongpyeong) recalled being asked to leave a hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic after staff learned he was a Shincheonji member. He said the experience prompted him to take an interest in politics and, together with his longstanding conservative views, led him to join the People Power Party of his own accord.

Kim So-young (36, Seoul), who works in the arts and culture sector, said she and her workplace experienced significant hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic because of her association with Shincheonji. She said she was disappointed with the government's response at the time and, after reviewing the policies of various political parties, decided to join the People Power Party as a matter of personal conviction.

Im Hyeong-suk (47, Incheon) also recounted being denied medical treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying the experience made her feel the need to have her voice represented in politics. While she acknowledged that an acquaintance had encouraged her to join a political party, she emphasised that the final decision was entirely her own.

Regarding the recent controversy over political party membership, the interviewees said they understood the public's concerns but expressed regret that political participation itself was being questioned on the basis of their religion.

Shin Min-jae (40, Daegu) said, "Every citizen of the Republic of Korea has both the freedom of religion and the right to participate in politics." He added that "it is an overgeneralisation to assume that people who share the same religion also share the same political views." Emphasising that "religious faith and political beliefs are deeply personal matters," he said, "I have never once been instructed at church to support a particular political party or candidate."

Yoon Min-yeop (41, Daegu) said he found it regrettable that, as the controversy grew, "sensational claims appeared to receive more attention than the facts." He added, "I hope people will also recognise that joining a political party is ultimately a matter of individual choice." Yoon further stated that "most Shincheonji members have little interest in politics," noting, "Shincheonji has held graduation ceremonies for more than 100,000 people several times since the COVID-19 pandemic. I hope people will also consider what may explain the church's continued growth."

Park Ji-ho emphasized that "it is a natural right for young people to participate in politics." He said that although he had been encouraged to take part in political activities within the church community, "there was absolutely no coercion, and I alone decided which political party to join." He also said that, while he had previously experienced requests to support specific candidates during election seasons at other churches he attended, he had never encountered such requests within Shincheonji.

Kim So-young said, "To be honest, we (Shincheonji members) have little interest in politics." She added, "In my 25 years as a member of the church, I have never heard anyone instruct us to support a particular political party or candidate. The emphasis has always been on living according to the Bible rather than on politics."

The interviewees repeatedly emphasised that political participation by people of faith is a fundamental constitutional right enjoyed by all citizens.

Byeon Jong-ho became emotional as he reflected on the controversy, saying, "What hurt me most was seeing Shincheonji members portrayed as though they were not citizens of the Republic of Korea."

Kim So-young expressed a similar view. "The right to vote belongs to every citizen," she said. "Some people choose to join political parties, while others have no interest in politics. That is a matter of personal choice." She added that politics is rarely discussed within the church, explaining, "Most members focus on studying the Bible and living out their faith." Referring to allegations of organised political involvement, she said, "Honestly, I feel a sense of injustice when I hear claims that political participation is systematically coerced."

The interviewees also expressed disappointment that media coverage has focused largely on controversies while paying little attention to the church's volunteer and peace initiatives.

Yoon Min-yeop said, "The church's volunteer work and peace activities are rarely covered by the media. It is regrettable that, as a result, many people seem to view Shincheonji only through the lens of controversy." He added, "I hope people will form their own opinions by verifying the facts rather than relying solely on what they hear from others." He concluded by saying, "Regardless of the circumstances, I apologise for the concern this controversy has caused the public."

Shin Min-jae pointed to Shincheonji members' participation in plasma and blood donation drives during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as more recent volunteer efforts supporting wildfire and flood recovery. "Our members have consistently sought to be a positive force in society," he said.

Byeon Jong-ho also expressed hope for greater mutual understanding. "I hope we can build a society that overcomes misunderstanding and prejudice," he said. "As citizens of the Republic of Korea, Shincheonji members also want to contribute to the country's development."

The interviewees questioned whether pretrial detention was necessary in light of Chairman ManHee Lee's advanced age and health condition, while emphasising that they were not disputing the judicial process itself.

Yoon Min-yeop said, "From a human rights perspective, the detention and investigation of a person in his 90s who poses no apparent flight risk deserves careful reconsideration." Im Hyeong-suk added, "It pains me that the 95-year-old chairman, a Korean War veteran who has devoted himself to peace activities, is being held in custody." Byeon Jong-ho likewise urged authorities to "consider from a humanitarian standpoint whether it is truly necessary to investigate a 95-year-old with limited mobility while he remains in detention."

The interviewees stressed that these comments were not intended to challenge the legal proceedings or the court's judgment regarding the charges. Rather, they said they recognised the need for investigation and trial but believed decisions regarding detention should also take into account humanitarian considerations, including a suspect's age, health, flight risk, and the possibility of evidence being destroyed.

At the conclusion of the interview, the participants collectively appealed to the public to view Shincheonji members "first as citizens of the Republic of Korea, and only then as people of a particular faith."

Park Ji-ho said, "The Shincheonji Church and its members contribute to South Korean society through volunteer work and acts of service in communities across the country, including disaster recovery efforts following floods." He added, "I hope we can become a society that understands and respects one another. If you are curious about us, I encourage you to come and see for yourselves before forming your own judgment."

Kim So-young echoed that sentiment, saying, "I hope people will consider the many different aspects of who we are, rather than viewing us through the lens of prejudice alone."

Im Hyeong-suk said she chose to join Shincheonji of her own accord after experiencing various Christian denominations. "I hope people will see me as an ordinary believer striving to put the love of Jesus into practice through service," she said. She added that she found it regrettable that "misunderstandings and prejudice have created a distorted narrative," arguing that "even the individual choices that citizens of the Republic of Korea should be free to make are not being respected."

The facts surrounding the controversy over political party membership, as well as its legal and political implications, remain matters requiring further verification and public discussion. This report seeks to contribute to that discussion by presenting the perspectives of those directly involved—voices that, until now, have received relatively little attention in public discourse.

Source: vo.la/AgQWgUA

A remarkable moment of unity unfolded as Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, Bartholomew Tribe’s Hwagok Church hosted a Bible exchange service with pastors from 13 MOU partner churches. The event, held in the last week of July 2026, was more than a gathering — it was a demonstration of how faith can transcend denominational boundaries through the Word.

The service opened with prayer, a hymn, a welcoming address, and congratulatory remarks, followed by a lecture, and a Q&A with attending pastors.

The lecture message on the Book of Revelation highlighted the importance of returning to Scripture as the true foundation of faith. The speaker urged pastors and attendees alike:

Through this, the gathering became an opportunity for pastors and members to reflect on the essence of Christian faith — hearing, understanding, and living by the Bible.

During the heat of late July, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group carried out a series of meaningful civic engagement and patriotism campaigns across South Korea. By combining summer relief initiatives—such as distributing cold water and ice coffee—with interactive programmes to honour 6·25 War veterans, these events aimed to expand the spirit of remembrance beyond national holidays and into everyday life.

Here is a look at the patriotic activities held in Incheon, Busan, Pohang, and Cheongju.

On 26th July, the Seoincheon and Gyeyang branches of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group joined forces with the Marine Sea Saver Movement Headquarters to host a combined veterans honor and environmental cleanup campaign at Palmido Island.

"Palmido is the starting point of the Incheon Landing Operation and holds a rich history of defending our nation. We will continue our efforts to remember the sacrifices of our veterans while preserving our environment." — Choi Seung-eon, Vice Branch Manager of Seoincheon Branch

On 25th July, the Busan Dongbu branch, in collaboration with the Suyeong-gu Volunteer Center, held the “Wise Summer Life: 6·25 War Veterans Remembrance Campaign” along the Gwangalli Beachfront.

1. Photo Exhibition & Docent Tours: Displayed photographs and stories of 6·25 War veterans, with volunteers serving as docents to share historical accounts.

3. Heatwave Relief: Free bottled water and iced coffee were provided to visitors to help them cool down.

As severe summer heatwaves sweep across urban metropolitan areas, protecting the physical health and living conditions of elderly war veterans has become a vital community concern. To support the well-being of Korean War and Vietnam War veterans, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Seoul Dongbu Branch executed a two-day patriotic outreach programme on 23rd and 24th July. Organised under the branch's ongoing "Wise Summer Life" campaign, the initiative combined direct residential infrastructure maintenance with seasonal nutritional support to express ongoing respect for national defenders.

On the first day of the operation, volunteers conducted targeted home-visitation care at the residences of elderly 6·25 Korean War veterans living in Dobong-gu, Seoul:

On the following day, the Seoul Dongbu Branch hosted a midsummer health banquet at Hara Plaza in Junggye-dong, Nowon-gu:

The Seoul Dongbu Branch emphasised that the project was designed to convert abstract gratitude into tangible, practical care for elderly heroes. A representative from the branch stated that the group remains committed to systematically monitoring the well-being of national veterans and expanding diverse civic programs to preserve the values of patriotic service across the local region.

To honour the historic sacrifices of Korean War veterans while providing practical heatwave relief to urban commuters, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Cheonan Branch executed its specialised "Wise Summer Life" campaign on 25th July. Operations were conducted across 4 key locations around the busy Cheonan Intercity Bus Terminal area in Chungcheongnam-do. The initiative combined direct heat mitigation with interactive public programmes, allowing citizens across generations to express tangible gratitude to national defenders.

The core highlight of the street outreach was an interactive booth where passing pedestrians and local families could write personal messages of thanks to living Korean War heroes:

- Diverse Civic Participation: Citizens of all ages paused to participate, including four elementary school students who carefully composed handwritten notes for the veterans.

- Youth Engagement: A resident in their 20s noted that the veterans would feel deeply appreciated upon reading the messages. Additionally, two young adults who had previously participated in similar remembrance programmes at the Independence Hall of Korea voluntarily visited the booth to share heartfelt written tributes.

A dedicated task force of 152 branch volunteers managed the logistics and distribution across the designated terminal zones, achieving high public engagement:

As severe summer heatwaves intensify across the southern peninsula, maintaining the physical stamina and emotional well-being of elderly war veterans has become a vital priority for local communities. Marking the traditional summer health period (Jungbok), the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Busan-Gyeongnam Western Alliance (comprising the Jinhae and Busan Seobu Branches) conducted a series of seasonal welfare operations across Jinhae, Yeongdo-gu, and Saha-gu. This ongoing initiative reflects an established decade-long commitment to honouring national heroes through practical care and innovative emotional programmes.

The seasonal welfare campaign kicked off in Jinhae on 14th July, focusing on direct nutritional care: