Shincheonji Church of Jesus is calling for an end to what it describes as targeted investigations and religious discrimination following years of legal and political scrutiny in South Korea.
The Christian organization, founded in 1984 by Chairman Lee Man-hee, has reported rapid growth with more than 100,000 new members joining annually. Analysts say this increased visibility has made the group a target for political and social pressure.
The church became a focal point of government action during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, authorities launched more than 10 search-and-seizure operations at the group’s headquarters and affiliated locations over alleged violations of infectious disease laws.
Lee Jae Myung, who was then the governor of Gyeonggi Province, drew national attention when he personally led a forced entry into the church’s headquarters to enforce administrative measures.
South Korean courts later acquitted the organization of major charges, including the alleged violations of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act. Church officials said in a statement that although many complaints have been filed, the judiciary has consistently found no wrongdoing.
The organization said issues previously resolved by the courts are being recycled as tools for political and public attacks.
Shincheonji representatives said the group is a religious community with no intention of engaging in political conflict. They urged authorities to stop using the religion as a scapegoat while the government calls for national unity.
