[Exclusive] Shincheonji leader Lee Man-hee requests review of detention; closed-door hearing held

Lee Man-hee, the chairman of the Shincheonji religious group, has formally requested a judicial review of his detention. This move comes as he faces accusations of orchestrating the mass registration of Shincheonji followers as members of the People Power Party, a political maneuver that has drawn significant scrutiny.

The request for a review, known as a 구속적부심 (gusokjeokbeupsim), asks the court to re-evaluate the legality and necessity of his pre-trial detention. Lee was arrested on charges including violations of election law, with prosecutors citing concerns about evidence tampering. The court had previously issued an arrest warrant, stating a risk of evidence destruction.

A hearing concerning Lee's request was held privately at the Seoul Central District Court. The outcome of this review is expected soon, potentially impacting the ongoing investigation into alleged political collusion between religious groups and political parties. Lee is accused of influencing the People Power Party's presidential primaries and general elections between 2021 and 2024 through these registrations.