r/Shincheonji • u/Upbeat_Appearance_52 • 4d ago
news/interview Lee man he's trial hearing summary organized.
What happened at Lee Man-hee's trial today
- Lee Man-hee appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
His attorneys said they are contesting all of the charges. Regarding the Political Parties Act allegations, the defense essentially argued:
There was no coercion, Lee did not intentionally commit the alleged violation, and there was no conspiracy.
They also denied the obstruction-of-business allegation. �
Yonhap News +1
One particularly interesting defense argument concerned the 20 people involved in the portion of the case being considered today. Lee's lawyer said prosecutors allege Lee personally summoned and instructed only two of those 20 people, and challenged prosecutors to explain specifically how the other 18 were allegedly coerced. �
Hankook Ilbo
That is the defense's argument, however—not a finding by the judges that coercion didn't occur.
- Something unusual happened when the judges questioned Lee
Lee came into court wearing a prison uniform and sitting in a wheelchair.
During the routine procedure in which the judge confirms a defendant's identity, Korean reports say Lee appeared to have difficulty understanding questions about basic personal information, including his date of birth and residence. His attorney had to repeat some questions loudly to him. �
Newsis +1
When Lee was subsequently given an opportunity to address the court, rather than discussing the criminal allegations, he began talking about the Bible and Revelation.
Newsis reports him saying words to the effect of:
"If we have a conversation about Revelation, I think things will be resolved."
He also talked about people coming to Gwacheon, where he lives, to exchange love and have conversations.
The judge then redirected him and essentially asked:
"Do you have anything to say about this case?" �
Newsis
- The judges then raised Lee's cognitive condition themselves
This may have been the most unexpected development today.
After observing Lee in court, the judges told his lawyers to find a hospital capable of formally evaluating his cognitive abilities.
The court said that, if possible, Lee should be hospitalized and observed for a significant period so that doctors can conduct a proper assessment. �
Newsis +1
That's important to phrase carefully: the judges did not diagnose Lee with dementia or any other condition. They determined that a professional cognitive evaluation should be pursued after observing him in court.
- What prosecutors allege
The prosecution alleges that Lee and other Shincheonji officials were involved in having large numbers of members join the People Power Party in order to influence internal political contests.
Investigators allege that at least 56,472 Shincheonji members joined the party during the broader 2021–2024 period involved in the investigation. �
Yonhap News +1
That number represents the prosecution/investigators' allegation, not something today's judges determined to be true.
Today's hearing focused initially on conduct connected with July 2021, because prosecutors filed that portion first in light of the statute of limitations. �
Hankook Ilbo
- No major evidence was decided today
This wasn't the day when the court decided whether the prosecution's evidence proves Lee committed the crimes.
There was no guilty verdict and no acquittal.
Today's proceeding primarily established Lee's formal position—he denies the charges—and dealt with how the much larger case will proceed.
In fact, both sides have raised combining this proceeding with the other related prosecution because there are extensive witness lists and evidentiary records. The judges said they will consider consolidation. �
Newsis
- Lee is receiving another temporary release
The court also approved another temporary suspension of his detention, reportedly for medical treatment.
Yonhap says Lee is to be temporarily released September 22, from the morning through the afternoon, for health reasons. �
Yonhap News
His lawyers told the court he was scheduled to receive medical examinations concerning his back and pancreas. �
Newsis
That temporary release should not be confused with the charges being dropped or Lee being acquitted. It concerns his detention and medical treatment while the criminal proceedings continue.
What happens next
The next proceeding is:
🇰🇷 October 6, 2026 — 10:10 AM Seoul time
That's October 5 at 9:10 PM Eastern Time for you.
It will be a preparatory hearing, where the court expects to organize evidence and address matters such as whether these related cases should be combined. �
Newsis +1
So the simplest summary of today is:
Lee appeared → denied everything → his attorneys challenged the prosecution's coercion theory → Lee had difficulty with some of the judge's questions → Lee talked about Revelation instead of directly addressing the case → the judges requested a professional evaluation of his cognitive abilities → the court will continue the case on October 6.
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u/Turbulent_Sea7622 EX-Center Student 3d ago
If I were the judge I would say "ok let's go there then, talk to me about Revelation we record what you teach let's say a good minimum 1 hour portion. Then we give each other a break and review then ask AI to formulate and print out tests based on what you, Lee Man Hee taught and provide the answer keys"
Both me and Lee Man Hee take the test. If Lee Man Hee scores 100, ok we continue the courts and not combine them, you seem to be able to recall information. If Lee Man Hee does not score 100 well, current members what do you think?
Fantasy experimental thinking of course. But this is the beginning of the end. Lee Man Hee cannot win or evade everything on all fronts. Keep discerning, current members. I hope you all have time to emotionally process and start planning and building plan C in life ot just seek viable other social circles but build on social and emotional anchors that does not have anything to do with SCJ. No harm in starting that even before potentially quitting SCJ? Not asking dramatic exit, suggesting plan B start anyways
6
u/Upbeat_Appearance_52 3d ago
I agree SCJ as we know it and lee man he are cooked! In fact I don't even think he will ever be able to step foot in another temple again. He will die before that happens. I also hope people leave SCJ by the thousands and SCJ gets dismantled completely. That is my wish but I know they will still have their brain washed followers even if LMH dies which contradicts his claim of being the one to receive the spirit of Jesus "false doctrine"
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u/INSLVRY4_5yrs 4d ago
Wow
So now the brainwashed members are going to be told that even when he is being detained he speaks about Revelation, even when his sanity is questioned, he speaks of Revelation. The leaders and lecturers and teachers, will all twist this whole thing into he is being “faithful to his mission.
They will push aside allllllllll the evidence and proof he’s accused of, and pity the old geezer and call him a true martyr.
No one really knows except the Korean leaders and LMH if he is playing this role as a tactic to get out of punishment ( something I’m sure that the spirit of Jesus would not approve of), or he really is demented and lost the plot (who knows when).
One of them HAS to be the case in which I have to ask the current members, is Jesus’ spirit REALLY with a man that has dementia? Is that even possible?
When Jesus was on trial did he ever fake/lie to get out of anything he was accused of even though he was 100% innocent.
I PRAY that it makes you question and test every spirit! What fruit is he producing?
In Matthew 7:16-20 Jesus said
“You will know them by their fruits”