Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

Investigators again raid Shincheonji headquarters over alleged political collusion

A joint prosecution-police team investigating suspected collusion between politics and religion again raided the Shincheonji Church of Jesus as part of a probe into its alleged ties to the main opposition People Power Party (PPP).

2026-03-11

Investigators launch second raid at PPP headquarters over Shincheonji allegations

Investigators on Tuesday raided the headquarters of the PPP in Yeouido, western Seoul, as part of an investigation into allegations that members of Shincheonji joined the party en masse with the intent to influence internal party votes.

2026-03-03

Joint task force reopens tax evasion case against Shincheonji Church

A joint prosecution-police task force investigating allegations that religious groups lobbied political circles has reopened a tax evasion case against the Shincheonji Church of Jesus.

2026-02-19

Shincheonji dogged by embezzlement allegations over legal defense fund to protect founder

The Shincheonji Church of Jesus raised about 17 billion won ($12 million) from its followers to defend its founder, Lee Man-hee, as he faced criminal investigations tied to the Covid-19 outbreak and alleged financial crimes.

2026-02-09

Authorities say Shincheonji leader 'cooked up' connections to evade tax probe

Recordings have emerged that allegedly show an organized lobbying effort targeting political and legal circles during the Covid-19 pandemic to head off a tax audit and a prosecutors’ probe. Authorities broaden their investigation into the matter.

2026-02-05

Beleaguered Shincheonji Church slams joint probe, points to 'persecution' and past legal victories

The Shincheonji Church of Jesus denounced investigations alleging collusion with politics, emphasizing past legal victories and urging member unity amid scrutiny over coercive practices and financial exploitation claims.

2026-02-03

Prosecution-police team raids Shincheonji sect over suspected collusion with politics

A joint prosecution-police team launched recently to investigate suspected collusion between politics and religion raided the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, a nonmainstream religious sect, on Friday.

2026-01-30

Long-maligned religious group Shincheonji draws new scrutiny over political collusion claims

Six years after it first attracted attention for its role in Korea’s initial mass outbreak of Covid-19, the secretive Shincheonji religious group has come under renewed focus for allegedly helping to propel former President Yoon Suk Yeol to power.

2026-01-29

Task force raids major Unification Church facility, investigates Shincheonji recording

A joint prosecution-police task force investigating allegations of collusion between religious groups and politicians raided the Unification Church’s Cheon Seung Jeon again on Tuesday.

2026-01-20

Prime minister orders probe of 'pseudoreligious cults,' calls them 'social evil that must be eradicated'

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok on Tuesday ordered a comprehensive joint investigation into pseudoreligious cults, including the Unification Church and Shincheonji, and directed all government ministries to seek active measures to eradicate their harm.

2026-01-13