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.