Shincheonji's Chairman Lee Man-hee Under Controversy Over 'Presidential-Level Security'

Lee Man-hee, the chairman of the religious organization Shincheonji, is under controversy for allegedly mobilizing security vehicles similar to those used by a president during his movements.

According to a report by JTBC on the 25th, Chairman Lee has been moving within and outside the country with a large convoy of vehicles, restricting the passage of ordinary citizens.

During a visit to the Philippines in 2016, Lee received security services by mobilizing local police. At that time, such police escort services could be obtained simply by paying money in the Philippines.

Perhaps finding the special security to his liking, Lee desired similar treatment domestically as well. However, in South Korea, even offering money cannot guarantee such police escort services.

As a result, Lee sought out private traffic escort companies, known as "convoy companies." However, the costs were considerable.

A former Shincheonji executive, A, explained to JTBC, “At first, we looked for convoy companies. It cost almost several hundred thousand won, more than 500,000 won, to go from here to Kintex.”

Thus, Lee reportedly created his own convoy team. A shared, “There is a volunteer traffic department within Shincheonji. Each division was organized to create convoy vehicles for protection.”

It is said that Lee carefully selected believers with good driving skills and quick situational judgment to form a protective convoy with black vehicles.

A former bodyguard, B, who had provided security for Lee in the past, described the situation by stating, “It felt like we were going with the president.”

Illegal Traffic Control and Siren Use Causing Public Inconvenience

Even more shocking is that Lee Man-hee's convoy reportedly controlled traffic without any legal authority.

B explained, “For example, if there is a need to make a U-turn but oncoming vehicles are approaching, two convoy vehicles would block the way. So, they would make a U-turn and let them go.”

It is particularly noted that Lee did not tolerate any interruption in his convoy.

A testified, “When the signal is restricted but it breaks in the middle, the convoy gets interrupted, right? So, to keep it together, they block traffic at that time to send them quickly and continue.”

Reports indicate that sirens usually used in police vehicles were employed during Lee's movements.

B stated, “Whether on the highway or regular roads, Lee's vehicle does not stop. The red and blue lights are attached, so people think, ‘Oh, there must be some VIP.’”

Such behavior has caused significant confusion among ordinary citizens. Witnesses of the sirens and large convoy were left to mistakenly assume that a high-ranking government official or a foreign dignitary was passing by.

According to Article 29 of the Road Traffic Act enforcement rules (Criteria for Illegal Attachment Devices), any lights, sirens, or emergency lights affixed to non-emergency vehicles are illegal.

JTBC attempted multiple times to contact Shincheonji for their response to these allegations but reported that they did not receive any replies.

Image source: Lee Man-hee receiving protection from police in the Philippines / jtbc, Lee Man-hee, Chairman of the Shincheonji Jesus Church Evidence Revelation Mission / Photo: Insight, youtube 'Shincheonji Jesus Church Evidence Revelation Mission'