Investigators seek arrest warrant for Shincheonji sect leader Lee Man-hee

Investigators have filed for an arrest warrant for Lee Man-hee, the founder of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, a non-mainstream religious sect. The move comes amid suspicions that the sect forced its members to join the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) ahead of the 2021 presidential primary and the 2024 general election primaries.

In addition to Lee Man-hee, arrest warrants have also been sought for three former senior officials of the Shincheonji Church, including one identified by the surname Goh. These individuals are accused of violating the Political Parties Act, which prohibits coercing individuals to join or leave political parties.

The joint investigation team, comprising prosecution and police, launched its inquiry in January to examine allegations that the religious sect compelled followers to become dues-paying members of the PPP. Investigators estimate that this alleged forced membership campaign resulted in over 50,000 individuals joining the party between 2021 and 2023.