South Korea Holds Church Founder in Custody Over Political Push

A Seoul court has ordered the detention of Lee Man‑hee, a 95‑year‑old religious leader who started the Shincheonji Church of Jesus. Prosecutors say he helped thousands of his followers join the People Power Party before big elections, a move that violates South Korea’s Political Parties Act. The law stops religious groups from meddling in politics, but the court believes Lee may try to destroy evidence if he is not kept under watch. Lee appeared in court early Wednesday, looking weak and leaning on aides. He did not answer questions about the accusations. The judge was concerned that Lee could hide or alter documents, so he decided to arrest him immediately.Shincheonji was founded in the 1980s by Lee, who calls himself a messiah. Many Christian churches have called the group a cult that uses brain‑washing tactics. Investigators say more than 50, 000 members were urged to support People Power Party candidates in the 2022 presidential race and the 2024 parliamentary nominations. The church also drew national attention during South Korea’s COVID‑19 crisis in 2020. Over half of the early cases were linked to Shincheonji members, and Lee was found not guilty of breaking public health laws in 2021. Now the authorities are looking into how religion and politics may have worked together. This case is part of a larger investigation. Prosecutors are also examining the Unification Church, which they say encouraged its members to join the same political party and gave money to politicians. The goal is to stop religious groups from influencing elections in ways that break the law.