Shincheonji Leader Lee Man-hee Faces Arrest Hearing Over Alleged Forced Party Membership

[Anchor]

Lee Man-hee, the leader of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, is facing a critical juncture as he stands before a court to determine whether he will be arrested on charges of forcing Shincheonji members to join the People Power Party (PPP). The pre-arrest interrogation for Lee took place at the court today (June 24). We now go to our reporter stationed at the courthouse.

Reporter Shin Yong-il, has a decision been made on Lee's arrest?

[Reporter]

No, the results have not been released yet.

The pre-arrest interrogation for Lee, which began at 2:00 p.m., lasted for about three hours.

Lee, who arrived at the court using a cane, did not respond to questions from reporters as he entered the courtroom, and he remained silent even after the hearing concluded.

[Lee Man-hee/Shincheonji Leader: (Did you force them to join to support former President Yoon Suk Yeol?) ... (Did you order mass party membership to exert influence on the People Power Party during the general election?) ...]

Lee is accused of attempting to force his followers to join the People Power Party to help make Yoon Suk Yeol the presidential candidate during the 2021 PPP primary, and of forcing party membership again during the 22nd general election in 2024 to gain assistance in resolving church-related issues.

[Anchor]

What were the key points of contention during today's hearing?

[Reporter]

The joint investigation team believes that Shincheonji registered over 50,000 members into the People Power Party under the name "Pilates Project," and that it was Lee who ordered this.

It is reported that during today's hearing, the joint investigation team argued that the charges of violating the Political Parties Act are serious, and that there is a high risk of Lee fleeing or destroying evidence.

On the other hand, Lee's side reportedly countered that he has faithfully complied with summons for questioning and that, at the age of 95, there is no risk of him fleeing.

A decision on Lee's arrest is expected to be made late tonight.

(On-site production: Pyeon Chan-hyung, Video reporting: Yang Hyun-chul, Video editing: Choi Jin-hwa)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.