Shincheonji Leader Lee Man-hee Faces Backlash for 'Emperor-Style' Legal Education and VIP Escort Controversy

Who is Lee Man-hee and Why Is He Controversial?

Did you know that Lee Man-hee, the 93-year-old founder of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, has been at the center of some of South Korea's most heated religious and legal debates? After being convicted of embezzlement and obstruction of business, Lee was handed a three-year prison sentence, suspended for five years. This was not just about financial wrongdoing; his church was also linked to the rapid spread of COVID-19 in Korea, further fueling public outrage. For many, Lee symbolizes the complex relationship between fringe religious groups and Korean society, where charismatic leaders often wield enormous influence and controversy follows them closely.

The VIP Escort: More Than Just a Ride

Imagine a convoy of black sedans, sirens blaring, blocking traffic as if a head of state were passing by. That's exactly what happened when Lee Man-hee traveled for his court-mandated activities. Reports revealed that Lee organized a 'Volunteer Traffic Department'—a team of Shincheonji followers who escorted his vehicle, sometimes even blocking civilian cars to ensure his passage. This operation mimicked presidential security, with motorcycles outfitted with illegal red and blue sirens, leading ordinary citizens to believe a government official was on the move. Such displays have sparked outrage online, with many Koreans questioning how a religious leader could receive such treatment and whether this reflects deeper issues in the relationship between state, law, and powerful cults.

Exclusive Education: The 'Emperor-Style' Classroom

What really set the internet abuzz was the revelation that Lee received his 80-hour legal compliance education in a way no other offender did. Instead of attending group classes with other convicts, Lee reportedly received all 16 sessions one-on-one, in a private room, sometimes with a foldable bed installed for his comfort. Security staff were stationed on every floor of the education center, ensuring that Lee was isolated and protected. This level of accommodation is virtually unheard of in Korea's justice system, leading to widespread accusations of 'emperor-style' privilege and sparking debates about fairness and equality before the law.

Government Response: Denial and Justification

The Ministry of Justice has pushed back hard against these allegations. Officials argue that Lee's advanced age and health issues, including hearing loss, made group education impractical. They claim the one-on-one sessions were necessary to avoid disrupting other participants and to ensure effective instruction. Furthermore, the ministry insists that the instructors were qualified internal staff with relevant psychological and legal expertise, not just ordinary employees. Despite these statements, many remain skeptical, especially given the secrecy surrounding the exact content and method of Lee's education.

Media and Community Reactions: Outrage and Satire

Korean online communities like DC Inside, FM Korea, and PGR21 have exploded with criticism and satire. Typical comments include, 'Is he the president or a cult leader?' and 'Why does he get a bed when others sit in plastic chairs?' Others draw comparisons to K-pop fandoms, noting how Shincheonji followers mobilize with the same fervor as idol fans, but for their leader's legal battles. On Naver and Daum blogs, users question whether such treatment would ever be afforded to an ordinary citizen, and some even allege political connections, asking if Lee's ties to powerful figures influenced his privileged status.

Cultural Context: Why This Matters in Korea

To truly understand the uproar, you need to know how deeply South Koreans value fairness and social equality. The sight of a religious leader—especially one associated with a controversial sect—receiving what looks like royal treatment from the legal system touches a nerve in a society already wary of corruption and privilege. The Shincheonji scandal also revives memories of other high-profile cases where the wealthy or well-connected seemed to escape justice, fueling public distrust in institutions. For international fans, this story is a window into Korea's ongoing struggle with social hierarchy, the power of charismatic leaders, and the demand for transparency.

International Reactions and Fandom Insights

Overseas, Shincheonji is often viewed as a mysterious or even dangerous group, especially after its role in the COVID-19 outbreak. International K-culture fans are fascinated by the scale of Lee's influence—how a single man can command such loyalty that followers risk legal trouble just to escort him. Some compare Shincheonji's organization and loyalty to K-pop fandoms, but note the darker undertones of manipulation and secrecy. This case also highlights the global challenge of balancing religious freedom with public safety and legal accountability.

The Ongoing Debate: Special Treatment or Necessary Accommodation?

The controversy over Lee Man-hee's 'emperor-style' education is far from settled. While the Ministry of Justice insists it was a matter of health and safety, critics see it as yet another example of privilege for the powerful. As more details emerge, Koreans continue to debate whether justice was truly served—or if, once again, the system bent to accommodate those at the top. For young international readers, this is a story that goes beyond one man or one church; it's about the universal struggle for fairness, transparency, and the rule of law in modern society.