Around 20 Korean War veterans gathered outside the Seoul Central District Court on the 7th to call for medical bail for Shincheonji Chairman ManHee Lee. Despite their advanced age and physical difficulties, they remained until the end, hoping their presence would make a difference.

Gwang-su Kim, Vice Chairman of the Seoul Branch, said, “The head of a religious organisation should not be treated like this,” adding, “Above all, the most important thing is that he must return safely as soon as possible.”

Eun-seok Choi, a 99-year-old Korean War veteran, said, “Those who sacrificed their lives for the country should be compensated, but it makes no sense to send them to prison instead of compensating them,” emphasising that Chairman Lee had not yet been convicted.

Despite their age, the veterans said they simply wanted to offer whatever support they could.

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During July’s record-breaking heatwaves, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group marked its 40th anniversary by carrying out its second “Wise Summer Life” volunteer campaign across 29 branches nationwide from 24th–31st July.

A total of 1555 volunteers—720 Shincheonji Volunteer Group members and 835 external volunteers—participated, reaching 9846 citizens and directly benefiting 9404 people through heatwave relief, veterans’ support, community service, and environmental activities.

Volunteers provided free ice water, iced coffee, watermelon juice, traditional drinks, and other refreshments at public locations including parks, markets, and busy streets. More than 6000 bottles of water were distributed, along with cooling towels, arm sleeves, ice neck scarves, and more than 2500 calligraphy fans.

Some branches also offered blood pressure and blood sugar checks and other health services, giving citizens an opportunity to cool down while receiving practical support and friendly greetings.

The campaign also promoted greater respect for Korean War veterans through exhibitions, videos, educational activities, and hands-on experiences. Children and families participated in activities such as wearing veteran uniforms, carrying evacuation packs, making Taegeukgi handprints, and playing traditional games.

A total of 691 citizens wrote thank-you letters to veterans, expressing gratitude for their sacrifices and for the peace enjoyed today. The letters will be delivered to national merit recipients.

Volunteers also visited veterans’ halls and the homes of national merit recipients, delivering 176 bowls of samgyetang, healthy meals, fruit, and traditional drinks while spending time talking with and checking on their well-being.

Additional support included 80 summer bedding sets, heatwave-prevention supplies, daily necessities, and the inspection and cleaning of air conditioners and fans. Hair and beauty services, aromatherapy, and commemorative photographs were also provided.

Regional branches further tailored their activities to local needs, including educational visits related to the Incheon Landing Operation and environmental cleanups around Korean and Vietnam War memorials.

The “Wise Summer Life” campaign demonstrated how simple acts of kindness can bring meaningful change. Whether through a bottle of cold water, a heartfelt letter to a veteran, or a caring conversation with an elderly person, the volunteers sought to remind citizens and national merit recipients that care, gratitude, and community begin with small acts of consideration.

The Sejong Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group held a regular volunteer programme for 25 elderly residents at the Yongpo 5-ri Senior Citizens' Hall in Sejong City on 7th August.

Fifteen volunteers, including two students, took part in the event, offering hand massages, face masks, dementia-prevention colouring activities, trot performances, and snacks.

The programme began with student volunteers performing three trot songs, encouraging the seniors to sing and clap along. The activities continued with friendly conversation, hand massages, colouring, and face-mask sessions, providing opportunities for health care, emotional support, and intergenerational interaction.

Seventeen seniors participated in the colouring and mask activities, enjoying the opportunity to choose their own colours, share their artwork, and spend time together.

At the end of the programme, all 25 seniors received steamed rice cakes and peach Greek yoghurt. Several participants expressed their appreciation, saying they felt “treated like royalty” whenever the volunteers visited.

Unlike a one-time event, the programme is designed as an ongoing initiative combining health care, cognitive activities, cultural entertainment, and companionship.

A Sejong Branch representative said, “Volunteering is not only about providing practical help, but also about listening, laughing together, and sharing our hearts. We will continue activities that support the health, emotional well-being, and social connection of local seniors.”

The Sejong Branch plans to continue its regular visits and maintain meaningful connections with elderly residents in the community.

In his letter, Archbishop Ledesma prayed that “May God give you strength and comfort,” acknowledging his advanced age and recent health challenges. He reflected on their first meeting in 2013, recalling how he witnessed Chairman Lee’s dedication to serving as a mediator for peace.

Archbishop Ledesma particularly highlighted Chairman Lee’s peace-building efforts in Mindanao, where he helped facilitate dialogue between Islamic and Catholic leaders, encouraging greater understanding, reconciliation, and cooperation between the communities.

“These activities inspired many, including myself,” Archbishop Ledesma wrote. He added that he believes such efforts demonstrate “God’s will to unite people beyond differences,” emphasising Chairman Lee’s enduring dedication to promoting peace and reconciliation.

The Archbishop also shared plans to continue prayer gatherings involving religious leaders and peace advocates, with the aim of supporting and strengthening ongoing peace initiatives. He expressed his intention to continue praying for Chairman Lee’s recovery, health, and well-being.

Concluding his letter, Archbishop Ledesma offered words of continued solidarity and encouragement:

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The Incheon branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group visited a senior center in Bupyeong-dong, Incheon, on 8th September to provide hair and beauty services and companionship to local elderly residents.

The monthly volunteer programme supports seniors who have difficulty visiting hairdressers due to limited mobility. Volunteers provided haircuts and styling according to individual requests, while also offering hand massages and spending time talking and singing with the seniors.

One senior resident, Hye-nam Kim (73), expressed her appreciation, saying, “I am really thankful that my hair was cut so beautifully. They listen to my stories and give me hand massages every time they come, so I always look forward to their visits.”

Hye-in Jeong (55), who volunteered for the first time, said, “I realised that volunteering is not just about helping with what is needed, but also about sharing our hearts and spending time together.”

ManHee Lee, chairman of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, was born in Cheongdo, North Gyeongsang Province, in 1931. Raised in a family accustomed to prayer, he developed an early interest in the Bible despite having no formal church background.

His life took a major turn during the Korean War. In 1952, Lee served as a sergeant with the 7th Division, a frontline infantry unit, until April 1953. Witnessing the deaths of fellow soldiers profoundly affected him and later inspired his commitment to promoting a world without war. He was officially recognised as a Korean War veteran and received a National Hero Medal in 2016.

Following the war, Lee pursued a life of faith and later became involved with the Tabernacle Temple in Gwacheon. After experiencing what he describes as persecution and religious trials, he eventually established Shincheonji Church of Jesus in 1984, based on his interpretation of biblical prophecy and the Book of Revelation.

Lee later founded and led Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), dedicating himself to international peace initiatives. Since beginning his peace tours in 2012, he has met political and religious leaders around the world, promoting international measures to prevent war and encouraging dialogue between different faiths.

One of his most notable initiatives took place in Mindanao, Philippines, in 2014, where he participated in efforts to promote peace between Catholic and Muslim communities following decades of conflict.

Today, HWPL continues to promote peace education, interfaith dialogue and international cooperation under the vision of “ending war and leaving a world of peace as a legacy for future generations.”

Despite his advanced age, Lee continues to present peace and reconciliation as central to his life's mission.

Pastor Shin-guk Park held a one-person protest outside the Seoul Central District Court at 8am on 9th September, calling for medical bail and a trial without detention for 95-year-old Shincheonji Chairman ManHee Lee.

Emphasising Chairman Lee’s status as a Korean War veteran, Pastor Park said, “Korean War veterans are heroes of our society,” and argued that medical bail should be considered in recognition of those who sacrificed for the nation.

He stressed that he was “not saying that we should not hold a trial,” acknowledging that Chairman Lee should face justice according to the law. However, he questioned whether “investigating and trying a 95-year-old man while he is in custody truly takes human rights into sufficient consideration.”

Pastor Park also urged the public to respect those who served during the Korean War, asking, “Who else would sacrifice their youth and blood for the country?” He said that honouring veterans is a responsibility the Republic of Korea should uphold.

During the hour-long peaceful demonstration, he also called for prayer, saying, “We must unite in prayer and pray even more earnestly.” Quoting the Gospel of John, he appealed to believers to “pray even more earnestly” so that God’s power might be manifested.

The protest took place amid the morning flow of commuters and traffic, with Pastor Park positioning his sign so that pedestrians and motorists could see his message.

The demonstration follows recent protests by religious figures outside the Seoul Central District Court calling for Chairman ManHee Lee’s medical bail and release.

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group is marking 40 years of community service, with its volunteer activities growing from local acts of kindness into a broad range of social contribution initiatives across Korea and abroad.

Since beginning its volunteer efforts in 1986, the organiSation has supported disadvantaged communities and participated in environmental clean-ups, disaster recovery, blood donation campaigns, and other community programmes. In 2011, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group was formally established to coordinate these activities in a more systematic and professional manner.

According to the organisation's records, the cumulative number of volunteer participants reached 1,119,925 between the start of statistical tracking in 2008 and 21st July 2026. From 2013 to 2026, the group received 655 awards and certificates of appreciation from government bodies, local authorities, and public institutions, including a Presidential Commendation and a Commendation from the President of the Korean Red Cross.

Disaster relief has remained an important part of the group's work. Following the 2007 Taean oil spill, volunteers travelled to the affected coastline to remove crude oil from rocks and beaches, helping with environmental recovery despite harsh winter conditions.

More recently, volunteers responded to flooding in Asan, South Chungcheong Province, where the overflow of Gokgyocheon Stream damaged nearby farmland. Working in temperatures reaching 37°C (98.6°F), volunteers helped restore greenhouses and agricultural fields.

Blood donation has also been a major focus. Since launching large-scale campaigns in 2008, the organisation has conducted 260 blood donation campaigns, recording 43,841 cumulative volunteer participations. In 2022, 18,819 people donated blood in 17 days, while 32,324 blood donation certificates were donated to help address the country's blood shortage. The campaign was recognised by the Korea Record Institute (KRI), and Shincheonji Church of Jesus received a Commendation from the President of the Korean Red Cross.

Today, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group conducts volunteer activities across 14 areas, including environmental conservation, support for older adults and vulnerable groups, assistance for multicultural families and people with disabilities, veterans' support, and agricultural and fisheries volunteer work.

A representative of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group said, “Wherever help is needed, we will continue to stand alongside our neighbours, both in Korea and abroad. Through sincere volunteer service and continued social contribution, we will strive to bring hope to communities around the world.”

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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.”

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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.”