South Korea seeks arrest warrant for Shincheonji chairman over election law violation

South Korean prosecutors have requested an arrest warrant for Lee Man-hee, the chairman of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, on allegations of violating election law. The joint investigation team, probing corruption involving politicians and religious organizations, seeks to detain Lee over accusations of coercing church members into joining the conservative People Power Party.

The investigation centers on claims that Lee directed and forced Shincheonji followers to join the People Power Party over an extended period, allegedly to influence political affairs and resolve church-related issues. The joint investigation team estimates that over 50,000 Shincheonji members joined the People Power Party under these alleged directives.

Violating Article 42 of the election law, which prohibits forcing individuals to join or leave a political party against their free will, can result in a prison sentence of up to two years or a fine of up to 2 million won. The probe into Shincheonji's alleged political interference is part of a broader investigation into corruption allegations linking political figures and religious groups.

Lee Man-hee appeared for questioning at the joint investigation headquarters of the prosecution and police in Seocho District, Seoul, on June 4, 2026, regarding the charges. The investigation is ongoing, focusing on the extent of the church's alleged political influence and the methods used to achieve it.