The Shincheonji Volunteer Group Donghae Branch held a samgyetang-sharing event under the theme ‘Wise Summer Life’ on 5th August at the Donghae Veterans Hall in Gangwon Province, providing meals to Korean War veterans and members of veterans’ organisations.

The event was part of the branch’s citizen-participatory ‘Remembrance Campaign,’ which aims to honour the sacrifices and dedication of war veterans and express gratitude. On 31st July, volunteers also visited veterans working as parking attendants at Mangsang Beach, providing energy drinks and ice water while encouraging beachgoers to learn about veterans’ contributions and write messages of thanks.

Volunteers prepared and delivered 40 servings of abalone ginseng chicken soup, along with thank-you messages written by citizens.

An official from a veterans’ organisation said, “We are grateful that the volunteers always serve with a consistent heart, and that they recognise and remember us.”

A Donghae Branch official said, “We remember those who sacrificed and dedicated themselves to the nation and convey our deep gratitude and respect,” adding, “We will continue to pray for their healthy lives and carry out meaningful volunteer activities that practise the values of veterans’ affairs together with the local community and citizens.”

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group concluded its nationwide heatwave response campaign, ‘Wise Summer Life,’ held from June to August.

During the campaign, 2633 volunteers supported 16,779 beneficiaries and 16,232 citizens, delivering 10,236 bottles of ice water and beverages and 5542 heatwave relief items, including cooling towels, sleeves, and glucose solutions. Volunteers visited streets, homes, workplaces, and rural communities, with this year’s campaign expanding support to outdoor workers such as delivery drivers.

Branches nationwide distributed cooling supplies and provided services for seniors, while volunteers also assisted farmers by harvesting 1000 sacks of corn and installing supports for a chili pepper field. Around 200 volunteers and citizens also participated in a coastal cleanup on Palmi Island in Incheon.

The campaign continued support for war veterans through home visits, where volunteers checked living conditions, cleaned cooling equipment, and installed sun-blocking curtains. They also delivered 176 bowls of samgyetang and 218 sets of ramie and hemp blankets to veterans and their families. Remembrance events in Seoul, Goyang, and Pohang also resulted in 1188 thank-you letters to veterans.

An official from the Shincheonji Volunteer Group said, “Through this activity that lasted for two months, we were able to address both the prevention of heatwaves and the respectful treatment of those of merit,” adding, “Next year, we will continue to follow Jesus’ teaching to share freely.”

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group Seoul-Gyeonggi Southern Regional Federation carried out summer volunteer initiatives to support local residents and vulnerable groups during this year’s heatwave. Volunteers visited communities, especially outdoor areas, to help prevent heat-related illnesses and promote the well-being of seniors and others in need.

Branches across the region provided practical support. The Hanam Branch distributed chilled water and glucose candies near Hanam Pungsan Station and nearby parks, while the Seongdong Branch gave fans and cold water to around 300 residents near Hwayang Intersection in Gwangjin-gu and shared heatwave safety information. The Suwon and Seongnam Branches also distributed heat-relief kits with cold water and cooling sheets at busy locations, including Moran Market Intersection.

Volunteers also checked on vulnerable residents and veterans. The Dongtan Branch delivered herbal ginseng chicken soup to the Osan City Welfare Association for the Disabled, while Pyeongtaek volunteers visited the Pyeongtaek Veterans Hall to check veterans’ health, including blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

In Songpa District, Seoul, the Gangdong Branch provided haircuts and beauty services to 12 recipients of national merit recognition and delivered summer essentials such as dehumidifiers and mosquito repellents. The activities were warmly received and reflected the volunteers’ commitment to practical community support.

An official from the volunteer organisation said, “As heatwaves continue for longer periods, it is increasingly important to pay close attention to the well-being of our neighbours. We will continue to carry out volunteer activities that provide meaningful and practical support to local residents.”

Source: vo.la/2shHHgz

Twenty-five Korean War veterans gathered outside Seoul Central District Court on the 7th to urge the release on medical bail of Shincheonji Chairman ManHee Lee, citing his age and deteriorating health.

Eun-seok Choi, 99, chairman of the Korean War Veterans Association’s Songpa District Branch, brought a prepared statement but was unable to read it because of his failing eyesight. He said: “I am 99 years old… I am truly frustrated as to how Chairman ManHee Lee, who built a South Korea just like me to be a good place to live, ended up suffering this (arrest).”

He recalled the Korean War, saying veterans had “sacrific[ed] our lives, youth, and blood” to defend the country, and asked whether they should now have to stand in the heat to make their grievances heard.

The veterans questioned whether detention was necessary, asking: “Would a 96-year-old man break through iron bars and escape? Would he even have the strength left to destroy evidence?”

Bong-kwon Kim, a director at the association’s headquarters, said: “A 96-year-old veteran who crossed that horrific line of death together is dying trapped on the cold concrete floor of a solitary cell in a detention centre.” He urged the court to grant medical bail so Chairman Lee could receive treatment and “complete his trial to the very end.”

Yong-bok Lee, an adviser to the Incheon branch, questioned the adequacy of detention-centre healthcare: “If someone becomes short of breath and their heart stops in the middle of the night, how can we ensure the golden time?”

The veterans stressed that their appeal was humanitarian, not an attempt to influence the court’s judgment, and called for Chairman Lee’s prompt release on medical bail.

Weeks after heavy rains caused widespread flooding in Geoje, 71 volunteers from the Shincheonji Volunteer Group in Busan and Gyeongnam returned to affected farms to support long-term recovery.

Working with the Geoje City Volunteer Center, volunteers cleared mud from farmland, repaired drainage ditches and damaged stone walls, and collected and sorted approximately 3 tonnes of flood debris and agricultural waste.

Farmer Jae-gyu Lee said, “We suffered massive flood damage, and it took a long time for the water to recede, so we couldn't even think about it.” He added, “I am truly grateful that you rolled up your sleeves and helped as if it were your own work, despite the sweltering weather.”

A Shincheonji Volunteer Group official said, “Disaster recovery does not end with support provided for just a few days immediately after the damage; the true beginning of recovery is continuing to show interest until residents can fully return to their daily lives and livelihoods.” The official added, “We have aimed for sincere recovery that does not stop at one-time visits but stays by the residents' side until the end.”

The group said it plans to continue supporting Geoje residents until they can fully restore their livelihoods.

His picket read: “Your Honour, health and life once lost cannot be restored. Please consider the health and human rights of the 95-year-old Chairman ManHee Lee and grant his release on bail as soon as possible.”

Pastor Lee said, “Is it absolutely necessary to stand trial while in custody even with the Chairman's health deteriorating to this extent?” He added, “I came here to appeal and plead more strongly on this point, with the hope that he will be granted medical bail.”

Despite difficulties securing protest space due to noise from other groups, Pastor Lee said, “I settled down and didn’t mind, and I had a strong desire to pray that he would be released on medical bail soon.”

Reflecting on the confrontation, he said, “I realised that their shouting was not merely a disturbance,” and decided it would be better to explain the picket’s message and Shincheonji’s situation and “try to persuade them.” He added, “I thought it would be good if one person stood in protest while the other explained it to the people around them.”

South Korea’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and declares that religion and politics shall be separated. But as political rhetoric intensifies and minority religious groups face growing scrutiny, concerns are mounting over whether the government is upholding its constitutional duty of religious neutrality.

Article 20 of South Korea’s Constitution establishes both freedom of religion and the separation of religion and politics. Yet the Constitution offers limited guidance on how this principle should be applied in every circumstance, leaving room for conflicting interpretations.

That ambiguity has become increasingly significant as government officials address allegations involving religious organisations, including Shincheonji and the Unification Church.

The state has a legitimate responsibility to investigate suspected criminal conduct. But critics argue that there is an important distinction between investigating specific alleged crimes and making broad judgments about particular religions or their beliefs.

Recent controversies have raised questions about whether minority religions are being treated fairly.

In January 2026, Shincheonji accused the government of targeting the organisation and argued that official rhetoric portraying a particular religion as a “social harm” raised serious constitutional concerns. These claims represent Shincheonji’s position.

Meanwhile, the prosecution of Unification Church leader Hak-ja Han over alleged political funding and bribery illustrates the broader tensions surrounding religion and political influence. Han was convicted and sentenced to two years in prison on 31st August 2026, and the church has said it will appeal.

The issue is not whether religious organisations should be above the law. They should not. The question is whether the law is being applied equally, regardless of religious affiliation.

South Korea is a religiously diverse society, where major faiths coexist with numerous minority and emerging religious movements.

In such a society, religious freedom cannot simply protect popular religions. Its true test comes when the beliefs involved are controversial or unpopular.

International experts have expressed similar concerns. At a Seoul meeting on 7th August focused on religious and expression freedom, researchers warned about possible erosion of religious neutrality and discrimination against minority faiths.

Thierry Valle, President of Coalition for Freedom of Conscience (CAP LC), described the situation as “gradual erosion rather than a sudden crisis.”

That warning deserves attention.

Religious freedom is rarely lost overnight. It can weaken gradually through political rhetoric, social stigma, unequal treatment, and institutional pressure against unpopular religious minorities.

The government must investigate crime and uphold the law. But constitutional neutrality requires it to distinguish between illegal conduct and religious belief.

A democratic state should be able to say, “This conduct may violate the law.”

It should be far more cautious about saying, “This religion itself is the problem.”

The fundamental question is simple: When the Constitution promises religious freedom for all, will South Korea protect that freedom even for those whose beliefs are deeply unpopular?

South Korea’s Constitution guarantees religious freedom and separates religion from politics. Yet when the principle was established in 1948, its meaning and scope were not clearly defined, leaving the state’s religious neutrality open to interpretation.

Throughout modern Korean history, politics and religion have maintained close ties. Conservative Protestants supported successive governments, while progressive Christians and Catholics played important roles in democratisation and human rights movements. These differing forms of political engagement demonstrate the longstanding influence of religion on Korean politics.

Experts now warn that government involvement in disputes involving groups such as Shincheonji and the Unification Church could undermine religious neutrality.

Constitutional scholar Sang-kyum Kim stressed that religious freedom requires equal constitutional protection for all religious organisations, regardless of their size or popularity.

Public opinion strongly supports equal treatment. A survey of 1001 adults found that 91% believe allegations of political-religious collusion should be investigated by the same standards, regardless of whether the person involved is the president or a ruling- or opposition-party politician.

Among those asked why separation of church and state is not being properly observed, 46.4% cited politicians using religion for elections or political support, compared with 12.5% who cited increased political activity by religious groups.

The message is clear: religious neutrality must apply equally to both religion and government. Nearly 80 years after the principle was enshrined in the Constitution, calls are growing for South Korea to clearly define and consistently enforce the separation of church and state.

Shield of Faith Church in Uganda has authored an op-ed advocating for the release of Shincheonji Chairman ManHee Lee, raising concerns around due process and religious freedom.

With international religious voices also calling attention to his detention, the question remains: Does justice truly apply equally to everyone?

The Gunsan Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group visited about 20 national merit recipients, including Korean War veterans, on 14th August to deliver homemade abalone samgyetang — a nourishing traditional tonic soup made with a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, ginseng, garlic, and jujubes, then slow-simmered with fresh or canned abalone — and sikhye (rice punch) and check on their well-being during the summer heat.

War veteran Jang (93) said, “It is sometimes troublesome and difficult to prepare a meal by myself in the sweltering heat during the day, but I am really grateful that they brought me Samgyetang directly to my house for Malbok.” Referring to previous home improvements, he added, “I am making good use of the curtains and fans that were installed.”

Volunteer Shin (32) said, “It was meaningful and an honour to meet the war veterans, who are living witnesses of history who defended our country, and to hear vivid stories from their time in the war.”

Gunsan Branch Manager said, “We are grateful to be able to convey our respect, even in this way, to the heroes who dedicated themselves to the nation,” adding, “We will continue to strive to promote the meaning of veterans’ affairs together with the local community.”

Bangladeshi legal professionals, media representatives, and civil society leaders have called for due process and the presumption of innocence to be upheld in the detention of Shincheonji Chairman ManHee Lee, raising concerns about the fairness and justice of the case.

At a Dhaka forum on religious minorities, human rights, and justice, lawyers, journalists, and youth leaders discussed judicial fairness and the treatment of elderly detainees.

Law professor Abdul Awal Khan stressed that pretrial detention should be exceptional under international human rights standards and that due process must apply equally to minorities and majorities. BTV Editor-in-Chief Zahidul Islam urged objective reporting, emphasising that accusations should not be treated as proof of guilt before a final court ruling. Forum president Brahmanda Pratap Barua also highlighted the need to protect elderly detainees' health, dignity, and rights.

Participants adopted a joint statement calling for respect for the presumption of innocence and protection of religious minorities. They plan to submit it to UN human rights bodies and the South Korean Embassy in Bangladesh.

Source: naver.me/Fx2rcnEg

About 25 volunteers from the Changwon branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group took part in an environmental cleanup on 22nd August, collecting approximately 410 litres of waste around Changwon Namsan Terminal and nearby Wetland Park.

As part of the “Let Nature Be Green” initiative, volunteers cleaned streets, pavements, flowerbeds and the terminal parking area, focusing on cigarette butts and household waste discarded in less visible areas.

Despite the sweltering heat, the volunteers continued along the route from Gaeumjeong Intersection through Namsan Terminal to Wetland Park. Local merchants encouraged the volunteers for their efforts.

Volunteers from the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Changwon Branch are collecting cigarette butts and household waste in the area around Changwon Namsan Terminal and Wetland Park on 22nd August

Volunteer Do-hyun Lee said the support from nearby shop owners gave him energy and that he hoped to participate in similar activities regularly.

The Changwon branch plans to continue environmental clean-up activities across the region through the “Let Nature Be Green” initiative, which is purposed to restore a pristine natural environment for posterity.

The Guri-Namyangju Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group carried out weekly volunteer activities at the Namyangju Branch of the Korea Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities from 31st July to 21st August.

Sixteen volunteers visited every Friday to support around 60 people with physical disabilities. They helped participants safely use specialised health equipment while providing companionship and friendly conversation.

One participant expressed appreciation, saying, “I’m very grateful that kind and capable volunteers come every Friday to help.”

A Namyangju Branch official also thanked the volunteers for assisting with busy Friday closing duties.

The Guri-Namyangju Branch said the month-long service was meaningful in promoting health, building relationships, and strengthening cooperation with local disability organisations, adding that it plans to continue similar community volunteer activities.

More than 120 members of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group have been supporting flood recovery efforts in Geoje, focusing on private homes and vulnerable households where restoration has been delayed.

From 26th August to 1st September, volunteers visited flood-damaged homes, markets, community facilities, and a religious facility, removing mud, damaged belongings, and waste. In total, they cleared approximately four tonnes of flood debris and restored blocked roads and drainage systems.

On 1st September, volunteers from Masan helped clean two vulnerable households and a senior centre in Irun-myeon, where mud from a nearby mountain had blocked a sewer and village road. Residents expressed gratitude for the volunteers’ efforts, particularly their willingness to travel from outside the area to help.

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group said its priority is helping affected residents return to safe and stable daily lives. Volunteers will continue supporting recovery efforts through 11th September.

Holding a sign that read, “Please protect the life and human rights of the 96-year-old Korean War veteran. I earnestly appeal for an investigation without detention,” Pastor Cho urged the court to make a humanitarian judgment, citing concerns for Lee’s health and human rights.

Reflecting on Jesus’ teaching that “one life is more precious than the whole world,” Pastor Cho said he felt a deep sense of responsibility in speaking out. He described the decision to protest as difficult but said it reminded him of the calling and sense of mission he felt when he first entered seminary.

After the protest, Pastor Cho prayed for Chairman Lee’s freedom and for the current difficulties to become the beginning of “a new history” and peace.

“I hope these hardships will not end as hardships, but will surely become a new history,” he said, expressing hope that the prayers and efforts surrounding the case would ultimately lead to a positive turning point.

Though the protest lasted only an hour, Pastor Cho said he would continue praying for Chairman Lee’s health, freedom, and a favourable outcome from the court.

On the morning of the 3rd, Venerable Yongsan, abbot of Bogwangsa Temple of the Korean Buddhist Jogye Order, held a one-person protest near the courthouse, praying and striking a wooden drum for an hour to call for the release of Shincheonji Chairman ManHee Lee.

Holding a sign calling for Chairman Lee’s basic human rights and an investigation without detention, Venerable Yongsan expressed concern over the prolonged detention of the 96-year-old and urged authorities to proceed with the investigation without custody.

Before the protest, he said, “It is deeply regrettable that an elderly person is being investigated while detained for such a long period.” He added that prolonged detention can cause serious psychological stress and said he would pray for Chairman Lee’s release from custody.

Rather than chanting slogans, Venerable Yongsan spent the hour praying and striking the wooden drum. Reflecting on Chairman Lee’s situation, he said he felt heavy-hearted seeing an elderly person detained for so long and acknowledged that anyone could potentially face injustice.

Based on his observations of Chairman Lee’s activities, he said, “I believe he is someone who has sincerely devoted himself to world peace.” He also noted that religious figures who have spoken out about the matter likely have their own reasons and convictions.

After the protest, Venerable Yongsan emphasised that fundamental rights should be respected throughout the investigation and trial process in a liberal democratic society. He also expressed hope that people from various religious communities would take an interest and raise their voices.

Citizens attending other court proceedings watched the protest and some spoke with him. Despite the attention, Venerable Yongsan remained focused and completed the full hour of prayer.

The protest was intended to raise concerns about the prolonged detention of an elderly suspect and call for an investigation without detention, rather than comment on the outcome of the ongoing investigation or trial.