The Gangseo Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group distributed 25 potted chrysanthemums to members of the Vietnam War Veterans Association’s Gangseo Branch earlier this week, near Balsan Station in Gangseo District, Seoul.

The activity was part of the Heroic Tales veterans’ welfare project, which aims to express gratitude for veterans’ service and strengthen relationships through ongoing community engagement.

As part of its monthly Dadaikseon ('More the Better') initiative, the volunteer group selected chrysanthemums for their seasonal appeal and ease of care. Volunteers distributed the flowers following a joint neighbourhood cleanup and provided guidance on watering, sunlight, and plant maintenance.

One recipient remarked, “As I carefully grow and tend to my plants, I often reflect on the preciousness of life.”

Source: vo.la/ToV3Zsl

International religious scholars and human rights advocates are urging the South Korean judiciary to consider conditional release, citing Chairman Lee’s advanced age, health concerns, and the potentially lengthy trial.

According to Shincheonji Church of Jesus, 18 international religious scholars plan to submit a joint petition requesting bail. The signatories include Professor Eileen Barker of the London School of Economics, Professor Emeritus J. Gordon Melton of Baylor University, and Massimo Introvigne, director of  Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR). The petition follows the CESNUR international conference held in Taiwan from 10th to 12th October.

The scholars expressed concern that repeated short-term extensions of the detention suspension could disrupt medical treatment and trial preparation. They called for arrangements that would allow Chairman Lee to attend court while receiving appropriate medical care.

Calls for conditional release have also come from legal professionals and human rights organisations. Ugandan lawyer and human rights activist Hamza Sekide proposed alternatives such as regular reporting requirements and surrendering travel documents.

Hans Noot, deputy director of Human Rights Without Frontiers, also called for detention to be reassessed and legally available alternatives to be considered. Bishop Elias Elijah Changa of Zambia proposed release subject to residential restrictions and medical care, while pastors from five countries, including Liberia, urged consideration of both criminal proceedings and religious freedom.

In September, the French human rights organisation Coalition for Freedom of Conscience (CAP-LC) called for an independent medical assessment and a review of alternatives to detention during the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

At a preliminary hearing on 6th October, the 27th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court estimated that the trial could take approximately a year, even with weekly hearings, given the roughly 190 requested witnesses.

Chairman Lee’s legal team requested bail, arguing that he requires continued treatment and care following surgery. The court deferred its decision and extended the suspension of the arrest warrant until 6th November.

The suspension has reportedly been extended four times, with extensions ranging from one day to one month. On 11th September, Chairman Lee was returned to detention after a further extension was denied.

Supporters have cited a 2020 ruling in which the Suwon District Court granted Chairman Lee bail while he faced charges of obstructing infectious disease control measures. Conditions included a 100 million won bond, residence restrictions, and electronic monitoring. The court considered his health and record of attending proceedings. The Supreme Court subsequently upheld his acquittal on those charges.

Article 98 of South Korea’s Criminal Procedure Act allows conditions such as residence restrictions, bail payments, and restrictions on overseas travel to help ensure defendants attend court.

However, international petitions and previous rulings do not determine the outcome of the current case. The court must independently assess Chairman Lee’s health, the risk of flight, potential evidence-related concerns, and the circumstances of the proceedings.

With the suspension set to expire on 6th November, attention remains focused on how the court will balance health concerns against the requirements of the ongoing trial when deciding whether to grant bail.

The Chungju Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group conducted a wildfire prevention campaign and environmental cleanup at Hoamji Ecological Park in Chungju, North Chungcheong Province, on 16th October. The activities were part of its regular environmental initiative, Let Nature Be Green, ahead of Mountain Day on 18th October.

During the campaign, volunteers informed park visitors about autumn wildfire prevention guidelines, including avoiding restricted areas and closed trails, refraining from burning agricultural waste or rubbish, not smoking while hiking, and avoiding cooking or camping outside designated areas.

To encourage environmental awareness, volunteers also held a Scandia moss pot-making activity and distributed 50 flower pots. Participants received commemorative Polaroid photos. Volunteers subsequently collected approximately 130 litres of rubbish from Hoamji Ecological Park and the nearby Hoam-dong commercial district, helping create a cleaner environment for residents and visitors.

A 30-year-old female resident of Hoam-dong who participated in the campaign said, “Through this wildfire prevention campaign, I realised that even a moment of carelessness can lead to a major disaster, which made me more vigilant. I will share the importance of wildfire prevention with those around me and continue to remain mindful of protecting our forests.”

Eun-ja Lee, 54, a resident of Yongsan-dong who joined the cleanup, said, “Participating in the cleanup made me realise how small thoughts like ‘It’s okay if I leave just one piece of rubbish’ can add up and create a much bigger problem. I want to continue taking small steps myself and contribute to keeping Chungju clean.”

The Chungju Branch plans to continue working with the local community to promote forest conservation and environmental protection, encouraging greater citizen participation and a sustainable environmental culture.

Meanwhile, Let Nature Be Green is an environmental volunteer initiative focused on preserving nature for future generations through wetland conservation, disaster recovery, cleanup activities around public facilities and cultural heritage sites, environmental awareness campaigns, and flower planting in areas affected by illegal dumping.

Source: vo.la/kdIh20O

— Official from the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Goyang Branch

A single cleanup session is rarely enough to achieve lasting environmental improvements along urban waterways. Invasive plants can quickly regrow, while seeds continue to spread downstream, making regular maintenance essential to long-term ecological restoration.

Recognising this challenge, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Goyang Branch has adopted a sustained, repeat-visit approach to caring for Changneungcheon Stream in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. Guided by ecological management principles that emphasise repeated removal and follow-up monitoring, the branch is working to support the stream’s long-term environmental health.

On 3rd October 2026, volunteers from the Goyang Branch returned to the Dongsonggyo Bridge area along Changneungcheon Stream for their Make Nature Green environmental initiative.

Targeted Removal of Invasive Plants: Volunteers manually removed invasive species, including Sicyos angulatus (burcucumber) and Ambrosia trifida (giant ragweed), from riverbanks, walking paths, and tree trunks. The effort yielded approximately 1800 litres of collected plant waste.

Follow-Up to a Major Cleanup: The activity followed a large-scale cleanup on 19th September, when 80 volunteers used mowers and scythes to remove approximately 14,000 litres of invasive vegetation from the same area.

Complementing Municipal Efforts: Goyang City and local organisations had also mobilised 230 participants for a cleanup on 17th September. Recognising that invasive vines could quickly regrow, the Goyang Branch continued its work through additional visits to maintain the cleared areas.

The Goyang Branch’s work at Changneungcheon Stream reflects a multi-year commitment to local environmental conservation.

Expanding Environmental Initiatives: Last year, volunteers conducted water quality improvement activities using effective microorganism (EM) mud balls. This year, they expanded their efforts to include the removal of invasive plant species that threaten local ecosystems.

Working Alongside Long-Time Conservationists: Following the 3rd October cleanup, a local environmental advocate who has cared for Changneungcheon Stream for more than 30 years inspected the site. The advocate praised the thorough work and highlighted the importance of volunteer participation in supporting conservation efforts, particularly when municipal resources are limited.

For the Goyang Branch, the recent cleanup activities mark another step in an ongoing commitment rather than the completion of the project.

Ongoing Site Monitoring: Throughout October, volunteers plan to revisit cleared areas, monitor the regrowth of invasive plants, and extend removal efforts to neighbouring sections of Changneungcheon Stream.

Strengthening Community Partnerships: The branch also intends to deepen cooperation with long-time environmental stewards and local authorities to develop a consistent, community-led approach to river conservation.

Through regular maintenance, continued volunteer participation, and collaboration with local stakeholders, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Goyang Branch aims to help protect Changneungcheon Stream and promote a cleaner, healthier environment for the surrounding community.

Source: https://vo.la/nJ55sLa

As language continues to evolve through modern slang and abbreviations, communication between younger and older generations has become an increasingly important social issue.

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Hangul Day (Korean Alphabet Day) in October 2026, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group organised interactive Nationwide Communication ON campaigns in several cities, including Bucheon, Gwangmyeong, and Pohang. The activities encouraged participants to reflect on the importance of kind words, empathy, and mutual understanding.

On 14th October, near Sangdong Station, the Bucheon Branch held an interactive event aimed at bridging communication gaps among grandparents, parents, and young people.

Participants tested their knowledge of youth slang through a quiz, while teenagers took part in challenges involving four-character idioms (saja-seongeo). At the Wish Communication Tree, participants attached notes expressing heartfelt apologies, appreciation, and encouragement that they had not previously put into words.

Seo-rin Jang, 15, from Bucheon, said, “Writing down feelings I usually keep to myself made me feel relieved. Today, I want to express my gratitude to my parents directly.”

Doo-seok Kang, 69, from Bucheon, shared, “Sometimes, it was difficult to communicate with my grandchildren because we use different expressions. Learning their slang today helped me realise that making an effort to understand the language young people use is the first step towards meaningful communication.”

On 12th October, near Cheolsan Station, the Gwangmyeong Branch invited residents to reflect on how everyday words can affect others emotionally.

Participants placed stickers beside encouraging expressions such as “Thank you” and “You did great.” They also wrote down hurtful words they had heard or used and symbolically discarded them in an “Emotional Trash Can” by tossing tennis balls into it.

To celebrate the legacy of King Sejong the Great, participants also made personalized Hangul keyrings using letter beads to spell positive words, including “Love” and “Compromise.”

Yu-chan Seol, 13, from Gwangmyeong, said, “Even when we encounter unfamiliar accents or expressions, making an effort to understand one another is important. I made a keyring with the word ‘Compromise’ to remind myself of the importance of thoughtful communication.”

On 9th October, at Yeongildae Beach, the Pohang Branch held a Kind and Beautiful Words Campaign, welcoming families, beachgoers, and international visitors.

Participants wrote heartfelt messages on a Gentle Words Heart Tree. In one touching moment, a young child placed a note reading “Mum, I love you” beside her mother. An international participant also wrote Korean consonants (ㄱㄴㄷㄹ) on a note and exchanged hand-heart gestures with volunteers.

Reflecting on the campaign, Nam-soon Kim, Vice Director of the Bucheon Branch, said, “Although the expressions we use may differ from one generation to another, communication begins with a willingness to understand each other. We hope this campaign encourages people to respect one another’s words and share warmth through active listening.”

By turning Hangul Day into an opportunity to promote empathy, connection, and thoughtful communication, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group continues its efforts to build more understanding and harmonious communities across South Korea.

Source:

- https://vo.la/kdtdXFF

- https://vo.la/Y0iECKM

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As population ageing accelerates in Yangpyeong District, Gyeonggi Province, and Gangwon Province, South Korea ,the Philip Tribe of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, is promoting accessible activities to help seniors maintain healthy, active lifestyles.

Through its Yangpyeong and Gangneung churches, the Philip Tribe is encouraging older adults to take an active role in their health through gentle exercise, social activities, and health-awareness initiatives.

Yangpyeong Church holds five-minute exercise sessions before Sunday and Wednesday worship services, helping seniors incorporate gentle movement into their routines.

Young-sook Kim (pseudonym, 72) said, “I always think I should exercise, but it is not easy to do so alone at home. Exercising together when we come to worship makes it easier and more enjoyable.”

“It’s rewarding to use my experience to help others as I grow older, and exercising together gives me more energy and vitality,” Lee said.

Soon-ja Park (69), a participant, added, “I look forward to visiting the bowling alley because I can exercise, laugh, and talk with others.”

The activity allows seniors to build friendships while sharing their abilities and taking on meaningful roles within the community.

In Gangneung, the local church provides opportunities for seniors to learn more about their physical condition through activities such as pulse wave examinations.

Jeong-suk Choi (73) reflected, “After getting a check-up, I realised I should pay more attention to my health and began re-evaluating my daily habits.”

A church representative emphasised, “Health management begins with taking an interest in your own body.”

Although the initiatives differ, they share a common goal: empowering seniors to manage their health, remain socially connected, and support one another.

A Philip Tribe representative said, “It is important for our members not only to receive care but also to take responsibility for their own health and share their experiences and talents with one another.”

Through simple, sustainable activities, the Philip Tribe aims to help seniors lead healthier, more active, and fulfilling lives.

Source: vo.la/S3kd8Z8

At 77, Nam-sun Kim has a remarkable story of perseverance and faith. After losing her parents at a young age, she never had the opportunity to learn Hangul, the Korean alphabet. For decades, everyday tasks such as reading street signs, checking bus routes, and completing official documents required help from others. Even at church, she relied on someone beside her to find Bible verses.

At age 60, she developed a heartfelt desire: “I want to read and understand the Bible with my own eyes.”

Kim began studying at the Zion Christian Mission Center through her child, who attends Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Gwangju Church. Inspired by the systematic Bible lessons, she attended lectures morning and evening, listening to cassette recordings and repeatedly reading Scripture aloud.

Using the Book of Revelation as her starting point, she gradually learned to recognise letters, understand words, and read sentences.

“As each letter became clearer and the words began to make sense, it felt like a miracle,” Kim recalled. “Worship and reading the Bible became experiences filled with tremendous joy.”

Learning to read transformed Kim’s daily life and spiritual journey. She can now read street signs, check bus destinations, and handle administrative tasks more independently.

She is also handwriting the entire Book of Revelation and preparing for the church’s Level 1 “Heavenly Kingdom Exam” in November 2026.

Initially, her other children were concerned about her joining Shincheonji Church. However, witnessing her progress in reading, writing, and studying Scripture helped ease their concerns and inspired their admiration and support.

Reflecting on her journey, Kim encourages others not to let age prevent them from pursuing new goals.

On Hangul Day, Kim’s story serves as a powerful reminder that it is never too late to learn. Through determination and Bible study, she has gained greater independence, strengthened her faith, and discovered the joy of reading Scripture for herself.

Source: https://vo.la/XaFBJzz

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group Songha Branch held a tick prevention campaign on the 11th at Bongseon Neighbourhood Park in Gwangju, raising awareness of scrub typhus and severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) ahead of the autumn outdoor activity season.

Volunteers shared prevention tips through mobile quizzes and Q&A sessions, advising citizens to wear long sleeves and trousers, use repellent, avoid direct contact with grass, and shower and wash clothes after outdoor activities. They also distributed prevention leaflets and repellent sticks.

The campaign highlighted symptoms such as fever and rashes, urging citizens to seek medical attention if they develop. A participant who had previously found ticks on their arm and collar while hiking thanked volunteers for their advice and repellent.

Jin Park, president of the International Association of Artists with Disabilities, added to the event with a caricature drawing booth, making health information more accessible through interactive activities.

A Songha Branch official said, “Prevention is the best approach to tick-borne diseases in the autumn,” adding, “We will continue various volunteer activities and campaigns to protect the health and safety of local citizens.”

Source: vo.la/aDbuYUw

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group Yeonsu Branch held a wildfire prevention campaign at Cheongnyong Park in Yeonsu District, Incheon, on the 11th, raising awareness among hikers and local residents as the dry autumn season approaches.

As part of its “Let Nature Flourish” environmental initiative, 17 volunteers distributed wildfire prevention information and collected litter throughout the park. Posters and placards highlighted common causes of wildfires, safety guidelines, evacuation procedures, and precautions such as not discarding cigarette butts or carrying flammable materials while hiking.

The campaign also featured a “Forest Fire Prevention OX Quiz” to help citizens test their knowledge, with eco-friendly seed pencils given to participants.

Seong-eun Choi (54), a local resident, said, “Although I hike often, I wasn't familiar with the specific guidelines for preventing forest fires. This campaign has made me more aware of the dangers.”

Yong-wook Moon, vice branch manager, said, “We organised this campaign to help citizens learn wildfire prevention guidelines in an accessible way as the risk of wildfires increases during this season.” He added, “We will continue our prevention and cleanup activities to help keep the local community safe and protect the environment.”

Source: vo.la/wcreZwh

The Gwangju Branch of Shincheonji Volunteer Group collected 800 litres of waste during a cleanup at Malbau Market on the 9th, as part of its “Let Nature Be Green” initiative.

Volunteers removed illegally dumped rubbish, promoted proper waste disposal and held a “Hello Campaign”, engaging 200 citizens to hear merchants’ concerns and encourage more considerate customer interactions.

Merchant Jin-young Kim said, “There is a lot of illegally dumped waste, and few people take responsibility for it.”

Another merchant, Tae-kyu Lee, shared, “If customers were a little more polite in their expressions, I think I would feel much better doing business.”

A branch representative said, “We hope that Malbau Market will become a more pleasant space through continuous environmental cleanup activities and the promotion of proper waste disposal practices,” adding that the branch would continue listening to local merchants and citizens.

Source: vo.la/contNwk

The Bucheon Branch of Shincheonji Volunteer Group provided free wallpapering services for a resident with a disability in Ojeong-dong, Bucheon, on the 12th, helping create a cleaner, more comfortable home.

Four volunteers, including one with 15 years of professional wallpapering experience, removed old, mouldy wallpaper, prepared the walls and installed new wallpaper before restoring the furniture and cleaning the home.

Ki-ho Kim, chairman of the Bucheon Branch of the Gyeonggi Provincial Association for the Welfare of the Disabled, said, “For over three years, the Bucheon Branch has continuously worked to improve living conditions for elderly residents, building a relationship based on trust,” providing services such as insulation installation, insect screen replacement and bathroom faucet installation.

He added, “To protect the health of vulnerable elderly people, creating a clean and comfortable living environment must be a priority.”

Nam-soon Kim, vice branch manager of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Bucheon Branch, said, “Improving living environments goes beyond transforming spaces; it helps restore healthy, comfortable daily lives for marginalised members of the community.”

Meanwhile, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group’s Bucheon Branch plans to strengthen its cooperation with local governments and community organisations to provide ongoing support to neighbours in need.

Source: vo.la/SZdmvjt

The volunteers displayed safety notices explaining wildfire causes, prevention measures and emergency responses. They also reminded hikers and park visitors not to discard cigarette butts or carry flammable materials, hosted an OX quiz on fire prevention, distributed seed pencils and collected litter around the park.

Seong-eun Choi, 54, who took part, said, “I climb mountains often, but I didn’t know the proper rules for preventing forest fires. Through this campaign, I realised that I need to be more careful.”

Yong-wook Moon, vice branch manager of the Yeonsu Branch, said, “We have organised a campaign to help citizens easily understand wildfire prevention guidelines and practise them in their daily lives.” He added, “We will continue our prevention activities in line with the high risk of wildfires.”

Around 200 volunteers participated in the two-and-a-half-hour cleanup, collecting litter to create a cleaner environment for festivalgoers. Gongju City Hall supplied 50 75-litre waste bags, while Ryu Young-ho, president of the Chungnam Leaders Volunteer Group, also joined the effort.

Festival officials expressed their appreciation, with one remarking, “It was a difficult situation because there was so much litter, so we are grateful for your support.”

A Gongju branch representative said, “We hope this activity helped citizens and tourists visiting the festival grounds enjoy the festival in a more pleasant environment,” adding, “We will continue to carry out volunteer activities needed by the community.”

Source: vo.la/d3zb8PF

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group Chungju Branch held a samgyetang-sharing and environmental cleanup event on 18th October at a lawn bowls venue in Chungju, North Chungcheong Province. The event was part of its Little Finger programme, which promotes inclusion and supports people with disabilities.

Volunteers provided warm bowls of traditional Korean chicken soup to help athletes replenish their energy ahead of their tournament, offering encouragement: “We are rooting for you all to achieve good results.”

After the meal, volunteers cleaned the lawn bowls office, stadium perimeter, entrances and athletes’ walkways, creating a cleaner and more welcoming environment.

Sang-yong Lee, 62, president of the Chungbuk Federation for Disabled Lawn Bowls, expressed his gratitude: “I am grateful for the delicious samgyetang that helped nourish our bodies.” He also shared Jeju tangerines with volunteers in appreciation of their continued kindness and expressed hope for further collaboration.

Volunteer Yang-ji Lee, 53, said, “It was meaningful to provide warm meals and encouragement to the athletes ahead of their competition. I hope they achieve results that reflect all the effort and dedication they have put in.”

A branch representative added, “It is especially meaningful to support athletes with whom we have built relationships over many years. We will continue sharing kindness and volunteering to support the lawn bowls community.”

The Chungju branch has supported athletes with disabilities since 2016, regularly organising volunteer activities around their annual tournaments. Through Little Finger, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group seeks to break down barriers between people with and without disabilities and foster greater understanding, mutual respect and inclusion.

Source: vo.la/7S6NYDA

Thirty-seven volunteers from the Shincheonji Volunteer Group in Fiji visited the Golden Age Home in Lautoka last Saturday, 10th October, to celebrate Fiji Day with elderly residents.

The visit featured singing, action songs, simple massages and compound cleaning, bringing joy and companionship to the residents.

Volunteer Melamy, who travelled from Australia, drew on her experience caring for her elderly parents, stressing the importance of love and companionship through carrying out activities that motivates and warms hearts.

Volunteer representative Rita, from Matawalu Village, urged communities to care for elderly people regardless of race or background.

“Everyone should care for the elderly, as some live with disabilities or visual impairments and need help with daily activities,” she said.

Golden Age Home staff thanked the volunteers for their time and for bringing happiness to the residents.

Source: https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/shincheonji-volunteers-bring-fiji-day-joy-to-elderly-residents/

In September, ahead of Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), volunteers from the Shincheonji Volunteer Group visited national veterans in Wonju, bringing handmade traditional holiday foods and warm companionship.

From 3rd to 22nd September, the group organised 11 volunteer events across 10 regions, with 202 volunteers reaching out to 2498 people, including veterans, bereaved families, and families of fallen service members.

In Seosan, Cheongju, Sokcho, and Wonju, volunteers delivered traditional Chuseok foods and nutritious meals to 102 veterans, including Korean War veterans and wounded service members. They also spent time listening to the veterans’ stories and checking on their well-being.

In Tongyeong, 15 Korean War veterans were treated to dinner and presented with commemorative appreciation frames. In East Busan, seven veterans received formal longevity portraits to honour their service and preserve their memories.

One veteran expressed gratitude, saying:

Volunteers in Cheongju and Goyang provided haircuts and scalp care at home for 14 veterans with limited mobility. In Goyang, they also delivered 60kg of rice and 10 boxes of health drinks donated by local residents.

In Dongjak, young volunteers visited 10 veterans, offering massages, therapeutic taping, and games of Baduk (Go). These interactions gave younger generations an opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of sacrifice and service.

At Daejeon National Cemetery, volunteers cleaned 2300 headstones in the 3rd Soldier Burial Ground and collected 75 litres of waste from the surrounding area.

In Asan, volunteers collected 2000 litres of waste and fallen leaves around the Yesan Chunghryeongsa Shrine and Vietnam War Veterans Memorial. They also presented 50 Korean War veterans with handmade traditional snacks and keyrings featuring the Korean flag and the Mugunghwa, South Korea’s national flower.

One veteran remarked:

Through meal deliveries, personal care, companionship, and cemetery cleanups, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group sought to express gratitude to national heroes and their families. These activities reflected a simple message: their sacrifices have not been forgotten.

Venerable Jigwang, head of the Korean Buddhist Munsu Order, held a solo protest on the afternoon of 28th September, calling for Shincheonji Chairman ManHee Lee’s release on bail for medical treatment.

From 5:30 to 6:10pm., the monk held a sign reading, “One day of treatment, re-imprisonment. This worsens the condition of a very elderly 95-year-old. Please allow him to receive treatment on bail as soon as possible instead of a temporary prescription.”

Venerable Jigwang said he joined the protest out of concern for Chairman Lee’s health and human rights, emphasising, “He should not be treated as if he is guilty when his guilt has not been confirmed.” He added that he hoped Chairman Lee would be released promptly to prevent his health from deteriorating further in detention.

Addressing the relationship between religion and politics, Jigwang stated, “For a peaceful world, politics must not suppress any religion, and laws and principles must be applied correctly and fairly to everyone.” He stressed, “No one should suffer injustice.”

During the protest, some passing motorists slowed to read the signs. Jigwang said, “I saw cars stop for a while after looking at the picket signs before driving away,” expressing hope that the message would reach the court and help secure Chairman Lee’s release.

Drawing on Buddhist teachings, he called for reconciliation and sound judgment over confrontation. “Just as it teaches not to carelessly criticixe or hate others, I earnestly prayed while reciting the Thousand-Hand Sutra that all matters would be resolved correctly,” he said.

The protest ended without significant incident. Jigwang reiterated that Chairman Lee’s health and human rights, along with fair judicial procedures, should be considered beyond religious divisions.

Source: vo.la/I9gJB9Z

On the morning of 29th September, Venerable Doan, abbot of Yongheungsa Temple of the Korean Buddhist Ilgwang Jogye Order, held a one-person protest outside the Seoul Central District Court, calling for medical bail for Shincheonji Chairman ManHee Lee in consideration of his advanced age and health.

His placard read: “95-year-old Chairman ManHee Lee is suffering from a fractured spine. I earnestly appeal for medical bail.”

Venerable Doan explained that seeing other monks participate in similar protests had inspired him to join. “Although I am suffering from shingles, I received nutritional support yesterday and came here to contribute, even in a small way, to the speedy release of Chairman Lee,” he said.

Despite loud protests nearby and his own discomfort, he remained composed by reciting the Thousand Hands Sutra and the Heart Sutra.

“My only wish was for the Chairman to be released and return as soon as possible,” he said, explaining that he prayed for his speedy release and medical bail.

Although standing for an hour was physically challenging, Venerable Doan stayed until the end. “Although it is physically difficult, I believe it is my duty to call for the speedy release of the Chairman,” he said.

Source: vo.la/NMdH2Yz

The camera shutter clicked as an elderly participant posed for a portrait. A volunteer checked the image on the screen, capturing a moment that would soon become a lasting keepsake.

The scene unfolded at the Jecheon Veterans Hall in North Chungcheong Province on the 23rd of last month, shortly before the Chuseok holiday. Around 50 members of veterans’ organisations took part in Donghaeng ('Companion'), a regular volunteer initiative organised by the Jecheon Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group.

Volunteers provided hairdressing and grooming services before photographing participants individually. Each portrait was printed and framed, offering the veterans a special memento to cherish.

As participants admired their new hairstyles and portraits, laughter and conversation filled the venue. Some proudly showed their photographs to friends, while others gazed at their framed pictures with emotion.

Sang-gu Lee, chairman of the Jecheon branch of the Defoliant Veterans Association, expressed his gratitude, saying, “They even styled my hair and took a photo for me to keep in a frame. It feels like receiving a special gift.” He added, “I’m happy to have a memory I can treasure for a long time.”

The event was held as part of a support project by the Chungcheongbuk-do Comprehensive Volunteer Center and forms part of the Jecheon Branch’s monthly Donghaeng programme, which provides grooming services, hands-on activities, and opportunities for fellowship with veterans.

A representative of the Jecheon Branch said, “We prepared this activity in the hope that each photograph, though just a single image, would become a precious memory and a meaningful expression of our gratitude.”

As participants left the Veterans Hall with their framed portraits, they took home more than photographs—they carried reminders of a day shaped by appreciation, companionship, and care.

Meanwhile, the Jecheon Branch plans to continue its regular visits, offering seasonal activities, grooming services, and other community programmes for veterans.

Source: vo.la/EXGlpgI

Calls are growing for the court to expedite its decision on the bail request of ManHee Lee, 95, chairman of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, who was arrested and indicted on charges of violating the Political Parties Act. More than two months have passed since he applied for bail, yet the court has not issued a ruling. Advocates argue that his health and human rights should be taken into account, particularly as his detention has been suspended six times due to medical concerns.

They contend that, rather than repeatedly granting temporary releases for medical treatment, the court should consider bail as a way to provide more stable access to care while allowing the trial to proceed.

According to legal sources, 102 days had passed since Chairman Lee’s arrest on June 24. He applied for bail on 4th August, and a hearing was held on 21st August, but no decision had been announced at the time of reporting.

Chairman Lee has reportedly received six suspensions of detention for health-related reasons. He is currently receiving hospital treatment under a temporary release arrangement, which was scheduled to remain in effect until 6pm on 7th October. Recently, a group of external medical specialists reportedly submitted a joint opinion to the court stating that “Chairman ManHee Lee needs treatment at a specialised medical institution through immediate bail or conditional release.”

Article 55 of the Rules of Criminal Procedure stipulates that, “unless there are special circumstances, the court shall make a decision on the matter within seven days from the date of receiving a request for bail or cancellation of detention.”

Kyung-sik Oh, a professor in the Department of Law at Kangwon National University, described the prolonged delay in deciding the bail request as “an unusual case” and called for a swift ruling that considers Chairman Lee’s health and circumstances.

“If there is no risk of flight and detention has been suspended repeatedly for medical treatment, it seems entirely feasible to grant bail,” Professor Oh said. He also highlighted the human rights and administrative challenges of detaining and arranging medical care for elderly inmates.

Sang-kyum Kim, an emeritus professor at Dongguk University’s Graduate School of Law, also urged the court to decide promptly, citing Chairman Lee’s advanced age and chronic illness. Referring to the constitutional right to a speedy trial, he emphasised that judicial discretion must remain within legal limits and that the reasons for bail decisions should be clearly explained.

In response to questions about the delay, an official from the Seoul Central District Court explained, “In practice, there are cases in which a decision is made a considerable amount of time after the bail hearing.”

Meanwhile, on 28th September, the 27th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge In-seong Woo, held a second preliminary hearing in the case involving Chairman Lee and others. The defendants face charges including violations of the Political Parties Act and obstruction of business, relating to allegations that believers were pressured to join the People Power Party.

During the hearing, Chairman Lee’s defence attorney stated, “We admit to all charges regarding party membership but deny all charges regarding coercion.” The defence acknowledged the membership-related facts while maintaining that no organised coercion had taken place.

The court scheduled the next preliminary hearing for 6th October. Future proceedings are expected to address the main case, whether an assessment of the defendant’s cognitive abilities is necessary, and whether the case should be consolidated with a separate indictment.

Source: vo.la/1YujVWX