South Korea: Founder of the Shincheonji Church arrested in political interference case

A South Korean court has ordered the arrest of Lee Man-hee, founder of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, as part of an investigation into his organization's alleged illegal involvement in the country's political life. According to local media, the religious leader is accused of orchestrating a vast scheme to get his followers to join a political party before important elections.

Ninety-five-year-old Lee Man-hee is suspected of violating South Korean political party laws, which prohibit religious organizations from engaging in political activities. Investigators also accuse him of obstruction of justice and of encouraging tens of thousands of members of his movement to join the conservative People Power party.

The court justified its decision by citing the risk of evidence destruction. Judicial authorities did not immediately provide further comment on the case, but South Korean media reported that the decision was made Wednesday evening after a hearing devoted to reviewing the arrest warrant.

Earlier in the day, Lee Man-hee appeared in court in Seoul for the hearing. Appearing frail and supported by several aides, he did not answer reporters' questions regarding the charges against him.

A controversial figure in South Korea, Lee Man-hee founded the Shincheonji Church in the 1980s and presents himself as a messiah. His religious organization has long been viewed with suspicion by many of the country's traditional Christian churches, which regularly label it a cult and denounce its recruitment methods.

This case could have significant repercussions on the debate concerning the links between religious movements and politics in South Korea. Investigations are now continuing to determine the exact scope of the alleged system and the potential responsibilities of other members of the organization.