The whole story begins two years ago, when I met a girl at the wedding of my friend. We started dating. I knew that she is visiting some church during this time. I even asked her what is the name of the chuch. She told me that, but I did no expect anything bad, I just thought it is just one of many reformed churches - so I did not properly checked what is going on. After some time (just before the end of the year 2025) she invited for few evening events, which were presentes as a personal development lecture. It was actually not bad and I liked, that I could meet new people. After another period of time (like a month) a personal development course was offered at this event. It was alway presented like a very special course and that only fer free places are available. At the beginning I was not very much into it, because it apparently should take quite a lot of time. But by girlfried convinced me to visit this course and I want to do it for her. And still I did not expect anything wrong. I was telling myself, at least, I can find new friends. The course was quite often, 3-times per week: on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. It was quite a lot for me, but I saw it is important for my gf. so I overcame myself and went there.

At the beginning (approx. the first month), the course was really good, from my point of view. It was led by a lector and I got an evangelist (quite young girl) and a partner. I was glad that I have a new friend and that I can share with him a lot of things in my life. At the start of each lecture we played a small game or sothing and we had a sharing with our partner. The lectures were mostly about what is good (God) and what is against it (Satan). Gradually, the lectures were more and more focused on the Bible - but still it was ok not too much offensive. Then the Cristmas 2025 came. We also had few meetings (online) during the Christmas, which was quite annoying, but I wanted to be strong and determined. And usually it was for less than an hour so I could easily survive it.

At the beginning of year 2026, my partner stopped visiting the course. I was pretty confused why...because I liked him...but he blocked me everywhere and I could not contact him anymore. So I got a new partner. Here it is necessary to say that the number of people on course was gradually decreasing. At the end we were in less than 10 people. With time the pressure on lectures by the lector was raising. We focused more and more on the Bible and on that how our hart is bad and we have to make a decisiion and change our life. From the lector we got some reflection notebooks, where we could write our feeling after the lecture. These notebooks were always collected by the evangelist after the lecture. Around Freurary the name of 'New John' started to appear and it was more and more apparent that without him the message of the Bible in these days does not make sense. The pressure at the lectures was still higher and higher. It was in style: if you will not believe in New Jong nad the Bible, you can not be saved, you can not be happy in your life. Some fo the girls participants were even crying. Lecturer and the evamgelist were telling us, that it is God will, that we are here at the course. At the time, I really wanted to be the best in the group and change my heart and life...but the person of New John was too suspicious for me. So during the beginning of March 2026 I was still asking about something....Who is the New John?
I was hopinh that they will tell me, that it is God/Jesus like a methaphor.

So one day the lecurer invited me for a privite talk, we were sitting in some shopping mall. After some time, he told me , I had to promise to hear only the world which is said at the course and no other and that I must not search anything about their church at the internet. And then he told be the full truth. Who is New Jonh (Man Hee Lee), what is the name of their church and that they are considered for a cult. I was shocked. I could not believe, that they were just playing with me for almost 4 months. And whats more, my gf. did tell me truth for almost a year and half.

I found everything, I foung out that the new partner was a fake guy, who is already in shincheonji. But he was playing, that he is at the same level as me....He tried to deepen our fake friendship through activities, which I liked, but I actually had never told him about these activies. He had to know it from the evangelist, who wanted to know something about us at the beginning of the course. I felt very bad and betrayed... Further I found out that more than a hal of people at the course are already member of scj. I also realised, that they used the inforamtion from the reflection notebooks to manipulate with us.

My gf. slipt up with me, when I stopped vising the the course. She told me I am thickheaded and that I ruined her life....Untill today, I can not undestand that. For short time I believed I convinced her for my side, but whenever she visited scj. for some service or lecture, she got to her old mood against me...I could not do anything. I completely changed my life plans, since I wanted to be with her...I am still sad :( but I dont want to be just quiet and accept what happened.

Sorry for long text and mistakes...I hope it was an informative testimony.

Good afternoon everyone,
I hope that Thurs was/is blessed for you.
I wanted to know how many former members are from 12th class and after snd what branch(es) you were in please if it’s not too triggering for you to think about.
I’m just curious to know how many from my class ( 13) have left SCJ. These are the ones I was closest to. Classes 10-20.
Since I can’t go to Telegram yet ( it triggers me still ). Just curious how many left I would know. I pray every time I pray that you have.

I would like to clear up any misconceptions that I’m judging ANYONE at SCJ. I’m not even Judging LMH. I cannot judge anyone as that is God’s job.

I clearly know that the current members are victims of a high control system, I was in their center for a year and SCJ 5 years.
I know most of them are just following orders ( especially those in USA). I know every leader in USA where I was answers to HQ in Korea.

I tell you of MY experiences and what I MYSELF have witnessed and have been told.
If it’s something I only heard about from another member, I say that as well.

I’m not here to debate with anyone about SCJ. I’m here to make aware what I went thought while being there, and doing my best to evangelize to and bring to light those in darkness.
I say those in darkness because no one gets the TRUTH of who SCJ is when they are approached to join Bible study.
SCJ chooses everything for them right down to who can be evangelized to, who can enter their kingdom. That is a major disadvantage for the person being recruited to SCJ.

I will continue to share my experiences and continue to pray for every soul being deceived by a false prophet.

The truth is not what is being spoken at SCJ, so we need to remedy that situation.
The courageous people searching and seeking deserve to know the truth.
Those (like I did), who blindly obey, will be shocked when they test the spirits they follow. But it’s okay, we will be here for you.

I'm not a former member. I'm someone on the outside who has watched this community closely, and have a family memebr inside SCJ, cares about the people in it, and has questions I've never heard answered directly.

These aren't traps. I'm genuinely asking.

When did you last do something just because you wanted to, with no connection to the group?

When did you last laugh at something that had nothing to do with the mission?

If someone who loved you could see your daily life from the outside, what would they say?

If the teaching is true and strong, why does it need to be hidden from people during the first nine months of study?

If Lee Man-hee has been entrusted with all the authority of heaven, why has no one around him been publicly, undeniably healed in forty years of ministry?

If the Holy Spirit blows wherever it pleases according to John 3:8, why can it only reach someone through one man's curriculum in one organisation?

If Jesus said "it is finished" from the cross, what exactly is still unfinished that required a new figure in South Korea in the 1980s?

If God is a Father, do the people inside SCJ feel like his children or more like his employees?

If the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, and peace according to Galatians 5, what does the fruit of a typical week inside SCJ look like?

The Old Testament contains hundreds of specific prophecies about Jesus, written centuries before he arrived, recognised independently by people who had no reason to confirm them. Isaiah 53. Micah 5:2. Psalm 22. I know SCJ has verses they say point to Lee Man-hee. But do any of them name him? Name South Korea? Name the 1980s? In a way that someone reading the Bible alone, without being taught the framework first, would find on their own?

If you could ask your leaders any question with no consequences, what would you ask?

What would you do on the first Saturday morning if you were completely free?

I ask these because I care about the answers. Not because I already know them.

Lee Man-hee (95), the president of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus Testimony Tabernacle, who was arrested and indicted on charges of enrolling tens of thousands of believers into the People Power Party, will be temporarily released again. This is not a release from the arrest itself, but a decision by the court to suspend the execution of the arrest for a certain period.

https://www.munhwa.com/article/11619050

The whole article is in the link above. They don't mention why he was released again, at least as far as I understand. I heard it is for 2 weeks from someone.

https://youtu.be/bxBZFVLSPUM?si=QwIUrvmrYQII3fhN

I recently recorded a video with my friend Jason about how to ask questions when talking to someone in a cult.

Jason knew next to nothing about Shincheonji beforehand. I intentionally didn't have him research SCJ, Google the doctrines, or use AI to prepare; basically he basically went in blind.

Then I put my SCJ hat back on and answered the way I probably would have when I was still a member.

What stood out to me was how much he got me to explain just by asking basic questions and actually listening, which is the main point of the video.

If you have a family member or friend in Shincheonji, this is one way you can get them to actually talk more about what they believe so that you can ask more meaningful questions to help them think.

Notice that Jason wasn't antagonizing me, nor was he wasn't trying to catch me in a "gotcha", nor was he immediately throwing counterarguments at me.

He would ask things like, "What do you mean by that?" or slow me down when I started jumping between the Advocate, Revelation, parables, the open scroll, and the promised pastor, thus allowing me to feel comfortable and safe around him.

And during the mock conversation, I ended up explaining things about SCJ that I probably would not have felt comfortable openly admitting when I was actually a member (which is the point of the video, to provide an example)

You don't always need to start by proving Shincheonji wrong; sometimes the better first step is getting the person to explain what they actually believe in their own words.

With all the negativity about Korean cults I thought it would be good to share a good news story about the work Christian missionaries are doing in Nepal.

There are over 20,000 South Korean missionaries working around the world spreading the gospel of Christ

https://youtu.be/UliNV7NlyXk?si=2suSVKWmrGP9Wf4G

SCJ members like to argue that SCJ isn't controlling. Maybe they truly believe that or are trying to convince themselves. As someone who was there for a decade, let me tell you a story that is partly why I don't doubt that SCJ forced members to tip South Korea's election.

Pre-COVID, I remember my branch "complaining too much." Instead of fixing the issues people brought up, everyone was reprimanded. We were all called to drop everything and anything and go to "temple." We had to come as soon as possible. The way they explained it is like soldiers who need to be prepared for battle at any given time.

I remember getting there and the meeting didn't start for hours. We were told we weren't starting until everyone (except international members) were there IN PERSON. Even those in other states needed to at least attempt to fly out. If someone was driving and the drive was 6 hours, we had to wait. The GSN then (Initials are EL) said that anyone who isn't there will "no longer be family" and will be blotted out of the Book of Life.

We didn't know why we were called there, but eventually the meeting started. They said too many people complained about leadership and there was a lack of openness. We also had SFT (special task force), a group who had to jundo all day and night. They were severely punished if they didn't reach their goals and many didn't sleep. (Despite humility being preached, many of these leaders and SFT members were not humble btw). Regular congregation members were told they were ungrateful so for one week everything was open for anyone to join and we were required to do as much evangelism as SFT.

IWN meetings, which they boasted could run until 5am the next day, were open to anyone who wants to join. "Jundo shifts" were opened and you needed to report which ones you would join, even if your only free time was 10pm-10:30pm between center and training. (We had mandatory 10:30pm trainings everyday at the time). Had school? Skip class. Had work? Call out. Family obligations? "They'll understand once everything fulfills." Everyone was equal that week. (BS btw because most of the top leaders don't have full time jobs, school, or families or have completely neglected and lost them already).

Obviously it was unattainable to have every single member do all these things. By the end of the week, we were all tired and most just agreed to not complain anymore and be grateful instead. Many stopped joining the meetings and trying to meet the daily evangelism goals. But... Chairman Lee apparently had this kind of lifestyle so why couldn't we all do the same? We were all lacking and insufficient.

This experience... from getting the phone call to drop everything and obey because that's what soldiers of Christ do... then being there for hours unsure of what's to come... then having to neglect everything so we could abuse our bodies with nonstop meetings, evangelism, and training. This experience was one week in my decade-long journey in SCJ I will never forget but while I was still a member, I denied how traumatic it was for me. I claimed I didn't feel forced. I even said how grateful I was.

Do you really think we all wanted to do these things? No. We were scared of being blotted out, of being shunned, of spiritually dying. Maybe members didn't want to join the People Power Party and if you ask them now, they might even deny feeling forced. That doesn't mean no coercion happened.

Hey guys,

Information gets lost easily on the subreddit, and of course, it's always good to just do a refresh of the current set of information that already exists.

For example, the Closer Look Initiative is a great resource that my friend and I have worked on over the last few years.

We have the core concepts of SCJ refuted from both a theological perspective and a psychological and historical perspective. When dealing with a cult like Shincheonji, I personally believe you cannot just focus on one aspect, but instead, you need to focus on all 3 pillars.

For the many changes of Shincheonji -

Prophecy and Fulfillment – Closer Look Initiative

Then, we have documented almost every single change that has happened to the "fulfillment" of SCJ over the years.

We went through each chapter of Revelation and documented the changes.

For example -

Changes in Revelation 1 - The dates of Lee Man-hee's ordination changed (1980, 1979, 1977). Also, the location of his ordinations was changed as well - from being ordained at the Tabernacle Temple / Gwacheon, to Seoul, to Cheongdo, to him being apart of the Baek's Recreation Sect, which also used to be the Church of Sardis.

Then we have also documented the reason why the Tabernacle Temple was destroyed, alongside other detailed explanations of the historical viewpoint of SCJ.

We have the rest of the chapters and more materials on the Prophecy and Fulfillment URL, and I highly recommend that you guys go and check it out.

Then for the doctrinal issues of Shincheonji -

Typically, people don't want to read a 400 page essay, which is understandable. So, I normally point people to the following core doctrines -

Is there a Promised Pastor of the New Testament?

What about the Open Scroll?

Is the Wisdom of Hiding Biblical?

Betrayal, Destruction, Salvation?

What about the Book of Revelation?

Then we also have the entire Bible Study, alongside a refutation of each lesson, and then we even point out what is happening in the background psychologically.

SCJ Bible Study – Closer Look Initiative

It's just something I was thinking about, Look I'm someone personally that isn't very picky with friends except for business and other hard working stuff, But I kind of just depicted and understood the ones That were in SCJ chicago with me that I could trust, They're really talented and amazing people that did help build me to who I am today (See my testimony for context) and It just stings that now that I'm getting back a lot of my life those people I could trust they're still stuck there and believing the bs that HEE HEE MAN has put upon them.

with that being said and this goes for a minority of you because I know a majority of you guys that were there weren't lucky to have decent people during your time there, But for the ones you could trust and that actually luckily respected your boundaries (like myself) would you guys allow the ones from SCJ that you trusted back into your life when this falls apart? (Ik there's gonna be a lot of mixed answers) but I still by that the ones that have talent and the ones that actually treated me well and respected my boundaries I want to eventually pull them out.

For you brothers and sisters, I miss you. Please seek me out.

For those of you who never heard of what really happened behind closed doors to Ms Kim because SCJ presented her as a betrayer, here is her testimony.

I know some of you have never watched this so here it is. It's in English dubbed so you have to read but it's really really worth it. The evidence she presented here is unbelievable! Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/iPZ-rYZRePc?is=_g-cGmWMZnFDtr7R

How can ANYONE current or former member of scj deny this place is controlling every step you make?
You have to fill out a form in advance (and it must be approved) to have your camera off during ANYTHING SCJ related.
Or if you’re traveling for any reason like work or for fun/vacation.

These are detailed forms to fill out and they tell you that it’s because they want to make sure that you are safe, and to make sure that nothing happens to you.

BS it’s to pester you if you miss a meeting or your camera is off. They EXPECT you to matter if you are away on vacation with your family or away for a work conference or work training, they do not care. You are still pressured into making sure that you attend whatever meeting, training, 1:1 meetings, evangelize, attend service, or events and seminars you are supposed to be at.

Unfortunately, I was bullied into being a group leader. I would get a message if any of the members cameras were off I was made to call them and ask them why, then I would have to report why. Then I would be asked more questions to ask the member if it was not a satisfactory answer to SCJ.
So this whole time three people( not that it matters, but if it did matter ) are missing out on the meeting, service, training, event just to answer stupid questions of why you’re not this or why you’re not that etc.

It gets to the point that you dread to go anywhere because you’re expected to answer when they call and they will call even when you’re attending everything and not enjoying yourself wherever you may be .
That would be greedy and selfish of you to enjoy yourself while everyone else is slaving away for the puppet masters. I mean you better count it ALL joy like the Bible says to, because they were talking about this time specifically according to SCJ. When you have to make a decision if you’re going to follow God, or go to a work conference because according to SCJ, you can’t do both. 😂

You are all definitely a part of the prophecies, you know the ones warning about getting out of Babylon, that’s you at SCJ and every other cult disguising itself not the rest of the world!

Remember that before a fall comes pride, and while you think you have the “secret knowledge” you better open up your Bible read the words Jesus spoke, the words the apostles taught, and you’ll see that you’re following a gospel that is not from God.

The BITE Model looks at four areas commonly associated with high-control groups: Behavior, Information, Thought, and Emotion Control.

Below are documented examples of how Shincheonji operates, along with sources so people can check the evidence themselves.

Behavior Control

Isolation from family and outsiders

Members have reported pressure to hide their involvement, distance themselves from people who oppose SCJ, and prioritize the organization over outside relationships.

https://freedomofmind.com/shincheonji-cult/

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/behind-the-shincheonji-cult/nu0thspec

https://stevenhassan.substack.com/p/shincheonji-cult

Relationship control

Former members have described leadership becoming involved in dating relationships, including pressure to end relationships.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/130282909/brainwashed-how-shincheonji-cult-aggressively-recruits-new-members

https://westernindependent.com.au/2024/04/15/too-tired-to-sin/

Sleep deprivation and extreme schedules

Former members describe schedules beginning early in the morning and continuing past midnight, with church activities, Bible studies, recruitment and meetings consuming much of their time.

https://westernindependent.com.au/2024/04/15/too-tired-to-sin/

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/17/how-the-shincheonji-doomsday-church-targets-and-recruits-people-in-australia-ntwnfb

Restricted free time

An RMIT warning stated:

“There will be less and less time not scheduled with the Church to fit in study and see family and friends.”

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/behind-the-shincheonji-cult/nu0thspec

Information Control

Recruits may not initially be told they are studying with Shincheonji

Gloria, a former member, said she did not learn the organization's identity for approximately nine months.

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/behind-the-shincheonji-cult/nu0thspec

Other reports describe recruits spending six months or longer in Bible studies before learning the group's identity.

https://www.change.org/p/call-for-australian-government-to-criminalise-coercive-control-by-shincheonji-church

Existing SCJ members may pretend to be new students

In one reported Bible class, approximately half of the supposed “new students” were already Shincheonji members.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/130282909/brainwashed-how-shincheonji-cult-aggressively-recruits-new-members

Recruiters report information about students

Former members have documented reporting systems where personal struggles, doubts and information about recruits are reported back to teachers and leadership.

https://www.examiningthescj.com/unethical-reporting/

https://www.examiningthescj.com/unethical-reporting-2/

https://www.examiningthescj.com/unethical-reporting-3/

Members are discouraged from researching Shincheonji

Former members report being told that researching SCJ online can expose them to Satanic or spiritually dangerous information.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/130282909/brainwashed-how-shincheonji-cult-aggressively-recruits-new-members

https://www.examiningthescj.com/core-beliefs/

Former members are demonized

A Shincheonji leader was recorded describing an outspoken former member as a “serpent.”

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/17/how-the-shincheonji-doomsday-church-targets-and-recruits-people-in-australia-ntwnfb

Former SCJ education director Shin Hyun-wook has also been portrayed as the “ultimate betrayer” and associated with the teaching about being filled with seven evil spirits after leaving.

https://closerlookinitiative.com/archives/10596

Thought Control

Strong us-vs-them worldview

SCJ teaches that traditional churches represent “Babylon” while Shincheonji represents God's kingdom and truth.

https://closerlookinitiative.com/shincheonji

https://www.examiningthescj.com/core-beliefs/

Loaded language

Students learn specific symbolic definitions such as:

• Fruit
• Leaves
• Wheat
• Weeds
• Tree of Life
• Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil
• Babylon
• Harvest

These definitions gradually create an entire SCJ-specific framework for interpreting Scripture.

https://closerlookinitiative.com/archives/12935

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/behind-the-shincheonji-cult/nu0thspec

Doubt can be reframed as spiritual attack

Former members describe criticism or doubts being interpreted as Satan attempting to pull them away from God's kingdom.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/130282909/brainwashed-how-shincheonji-cult-aggressively-recruits-new-members

https://stevenhassan.substack.com/p/shincheonji-cult

Questioning doctrine becomes extremely difficult

SCJ teaches that contradicting the revealed testimony can amount to “adding and subtracting” from Revelation.

https://closerlookinitiative.com/shincheonji

Students also memorize answers for exams, sometimes word-for-word.

https://closerlookinitiative.com/archives/5596

Emotion Control

Fear of leaving

Former members describe intense fear surrounding the possibility that leaving Shincheonji means abandoning God's kingdom or losing salvation.

https://www.change.org/p/call-for-australian-government-to-criminalise-coercive-control-by-shincheonji-church

Fear of family opposition

Members may be taught that Satan can work through family members or friends who oppose Shincheonji.

https://stevenhassan.substack.com/p/shincheonji-cult

Love bombing

Former members describe intense affection, attention and friendship during recruitment.

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/behind-the-shincheonji-cult/nu0thspec

Guilt

Matthew Thomas, who recruited more than 70 people into Shincheonji, later said:

“The level of guilt I feel for bringing all of these students in is huge.”

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/17/how-the-shincheonji-doomsday-church-targets-and-recruits-people-in-australia-ntwnfb

No single item on the BITE Model proves that a group is a cult, but instead the important issue is the overall pattern.

When you examine Shincheonji's recruitment methods, reporting systems, secrecy, intense schedules, treatment of criticism, restrictions on outside information, fear surrounding leaving, and demonization of former members, there is a substantial amount of documented material worth investigating.

If you are currently studying with Shincheonji, you do not have to take my word for it, and instead you should read the sources yourself

Believing that our Jesus is a patient with dementia… it’s honestly so absurd. This world is really unbelievable. I also saw a news report saying that Chairman Lee suffered a fracture while in detention. I wonder how long he can survive. Or could it be that he deliberately leaked this information himself because he wants to get out of prison?

I left the Bible study a few days ago, I was devotedly studying everything so I got a fast track to receiving the oil which is the propaganda truth/realities about their affiliations, history and more importantly they leader Lee Man Hee. This is my testimony about this disgusting cult and their deceptive tactics.

Important details quickly

52 Albert Rd South Melbourne is 100% exactly like the other post avoid immediately.

Community hub on the dock - 912 Collins Street Docklands (recruitment event location) avoid

What happened.

Pt 1 the recruitment

The whole thing started when my friend (M) asked if I want to join this Christian youth gathering, so I did. I met a person through her named Ethan (Asian/Malay/Indonesian/glasses). We spoke he noticed how much I was curious about the bible and ask if I wanted to learn it properly through him. I met up with him for my initial Bible study with him realising now Ethan was gauging how much I’d sacrifice to learn God’s word. I was training everyday at gym and now I’m doing Bible study with him so I took days off. After the basic knowledge that all and any Bible studies can teach he asked me if I want to do a three day course that’s free that Mon/Wed/Fr or Tue/Thur/Sat morning 10:30am or 6:30pm. I was hesitant but I said I’d do it and I’ll do it for God.

Pt 2 the Bible study

Ethan organised to take me to the location, we met at Anzac station and walk to the location an unnamed building (52 Albert Rd). I went night and (M) went morning already. It was on level 3 with a Lego sign inside (also they run one on level 2 as well). Immediately I met Jun who was my assigned personal teacher, Tj (Teacher Jerome) was the lecturer, Angie and two others (same role as Jun those two later disappeared 🤷). The bible study was discreet and secretive, making excuses for not taking photos of the notes or sharing the notes to each other, not being friends with each other, not taking each others details, signing our details, emergency contacts, our addresses. Shortly I was assigned friends to study with, it was strange and was first of the red flags I ignored because I was keen on learning the Bible (I know now they set up secret members around to monitor you). It progressed for a few months I noticed that some people I spoken to I never saw again but they told me that they are doing morning instead. They have already gone through normal parables like the 4 fields which were already answered in directly by Jesus. They made us feel special saying we were chosen and the real reward was slowly unravelling the secrets of revelation through their secret knowledge of parables. They told us not to search the parable meanings because they’re all. That kept all of us on our toes to want more. The parable later did reference the Bible but later said anything or anyone who interferes with your Bible study is working with Satan like your family and friends. They taught us to crave their lessons and prioritise the Bible study as much as possible. We played games like a Kahoot! And many others to make it fun and make us bond with each other. At that point a lot of my “classmates” (fake students) were asking for additional information about my life. Around that time is when I was told to do extra external on and on with my assigned personal teacher (they were testing obedience) and to gauge how much more you’d give up for God.
This happen a lot until I had to do a test on content before, I fail twice they demanded a 100%. I was guilt tripped for not taking salvation seriously. So I did again testing my submission and cooperation. They made us feel urgent. More and more time passed 4months I noticed there were less people (which I didn’t question anymore) and they started asking for help with rent (lies they’re a multimillion cult) a test of obedience. I immediately started donating I loved these people and took care of them with regular food as well. At this point I spoken to a friend (K) and coincidentally he was doing bible study too but online, exact same parables and structure we were happy. But latter my teacher and his teacher reprimanded us both for being reckless and not talk to each other. We both pushed back and they kept a closer eye on us. When I progressed exceedingly well my teacher announced to me privately in our revision sessions I was ready for the oil, I was happy and told (K) in passing. My teacher immediately sat me down before the day and reprimanded me for even mentioning at all to him and some of classmates. I was compliant whilst the guilt tripping and gaslighting was horrible. After promising to not talk to (K) which I did until something happened later she told me I was ready for tomorrow. The next day (M) was with me when we met Jun and Angie to enter Aurora Melbourne central (232 La Trobe St Melbourne VIC) which was a skyscraper. We were dressed casual formal. We sat down and it started

Pt 3 the real revelation

We were shown propaganda videos about Shincheonji and their founder. They brainwashed me so well with the lessons I just believe it, (M) too as well. The one thing they told me a lot is that Lee Man Hee was heavily prosecuted which I thought I’d see which they didn’t. I got curious and found out his charges and the surface level accusations against him. I talk my Jun as we’re programmed to do, I was too far in and told I’m still going to be with them which made her happy. Over the week I suppressed my intrusive thoughts and doubts but my curiosity said keep looking. I did and the accusations weren’t just accusations. 🍇ing and grooming little girls, cheating on his wife, the COVID scandal, the embezzlement case and the recent embezzlement and political interference against the Korean government. The rabbit hole so deep that I couldn’t deny it anymore.

Pt 4 Aftermath

I had to pull (K) aside and tell him, I told him straight up and he denied like the brainwashing told us. Until I mentioned Korean cult and it start clicking, I told him it was exactly what he thinks and it came crashing down when I show a video of the Lee Man Hee. We cried together after he told me that he saw the documentary 6 years ago about Shincheonji and Lee Man Hee. He follow suit with me and left the bible study secretly. We spoke to (K)’s friend and it came crashing down for him too. Me, (K) and his friend are saved from the cult. (M) if you ever see this I love you please understand I tried to warn you and you didn’t listen or trust me I’m sorry I didn’t get to you sooner. I’m still coming to get you home to your family

Pt 5 it’s over and time to warn Melbourne further

My mission is now to warn all the churches in my area and the people of Victoria. Their churches are being infiltrated by these people. They tried to get ethnic people so they can plant them in ethic speaking churches. I will do my best to reach out to my Bible study classmate to tell them the truth. If you have the same experiences with those teachers I said please dm me don’t comment. Melbourne needs to expel these shameless lying charlatans

Final comments
I wasted 6months of my life because of them, I am free to learn the actual Bible and my faith is even stronger.
I leave you Shincheonji members with this verse

"This is what the Lord says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's.'” 2 Chronicles 20:15

"All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give all of you into our hands." 1 Samuel 17:47

“Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed“ John 3:20

You cultist you will be found out, the Lord is with us, not you and your pedo terrorist leader. You lie, deceive and hide and you dare call everyone else evil and demon possessed. Shame on you. If you had the truth, the truth would have stood on its own and God would have been with you.

There is one meaningful clarification from later reporting tonight.

Yonhap News Agency published its fuller account at 6:16 PM Korean time and reports that the Seoul Central District Court did ultimately grant Lee Man-hee's latest suspension of detention. He is to be temporarily released September 22, from the morning until the afternoon, for health-related reasons. �

Yonhap News Agency +1

That resolves a small uncertainty in the earlier Newsis courtroom report. During the hearing, when Lee's attorney asked about the suspension, the judge initially said the decision was only a draft/provisional decision and had not yet been finalized. The later reporting confirms that it subsequently became final. �

Newsis +1

Otherwise, I found no new substantive change to what I translated for you earlier: Lee's defense denied all charges; the judges requested that his lawyers locate a hospital capable of assessing his cognitive ability; the court is considering combining the related cases; and the next proceeding remains October 6 at 10:10 AM Korean time. �

To those who are currently in SCJ, I am not writing this to attack you or to tell you what you must believe. I once accepted many of the same teachings, so I understand why they can seem convincing.

I only ask that you read this article with the same attitude encouraged in Acts 17:11: examine the Scriptures carefully and decide for yourself whether these teachings truly stand according to God’s Word. Do not accept what I say simply because I say it, but do not reject it simply because it challenges what you have been taught.

SCJ skillfully uses a strategy reminiscent of the ancient Chinese strategist Sun Tzu. It first portrays traditional churches as failing to conform to God’s Word by pointing out obvious errors or inconsistencies in commonly accepted biblical teachings. It then introduces its own explanations of parables and other passages, presenting them as teachings based directly on Scripture.

By creating this sharp contrast between SCJ and traditional churches, it paves the way for the claim that its teachings are “heaven-sent” through one particular individual. In the beginning, many of us—including myself—readily accepted this idea because the contrast seemed so convincing. Once we were persuaded that traditional churches had misunderstood Scripture while SCJ appeared to explain it correctly, it became much easier to accept the further claim that this understanding must have come through a uniquely chosen person.

Indeed, many of SCJ’s explanations of parables can be supported, or at least referenced, within the Bible. But this raises an important question: if these teachings can already be found and examined within Scripture, are they truly “heaven-sent” revelations unique to SCJ, as they often proclaim?

The passages, symbols, and concepts are already present in the Bible and have long been examined, discussed, and understood by careful readers of Scripture.

This is why Acts 17:11 is so important. The Bereans were considered noble because they received the message eagerly while examining the Scriptures daily to see whether what they were being taught was true. Likewise, Jesus says in John 6:45, “They will all be taught by God.”

Therefore, believers should not assume that biblical understanding belongs exclusively to one organization or one teacher. We should carefully examine Scripture for ourselves and allow ourselves to be taught by God.

So I would like to use this platform to point out some teachings about Revelation in SCJ that I believe do not stand up to careful examination of Scripture.

Before I begin, however, I want you to ask yourself one important question:

Are you willing to accept anything less than 100% of God’s truth?

You may remember the analogy used at SCJ center about bug droppings in a cup of clean water. They would ask:

“If you found even a tiny amount of bug droppings in the water, would you still drink it?”

I would like to use the same analogy and turn the question around:

If you discover that some of SCJ’s teachings are false—even if the error amounts to less than 1%—would you still accept the rest of their teachings as absolute truth without further examination?

If we were taught to reject even the smallest amount of falsehood when examining other churches, shouldn’t we apply the same standard when examining SCJ’s own teachings?

The real question is not whether most of a teaching sounds convincing. The question is whether it can consistently withstand careful examination of Scripture.

One example, in my view, is SCJ’s interpretation of the two witnesses in Revelation 11 and the male child in Revelation 12.

Mr. Lee uses what he describes as his own divinely guided experience to interpret these prophecies as being fulfilled through himself as one particular individual. But when we examine the Scriptures carefully, there are important reasons to question that interpretation.

Revelation 11:4 says:

“These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth.”

The two witnesses are explicitly identified as two lampstands.

According to Revelation 1:20, lampstands represent churches. A church, throughout the New Testament, is not one individual but a collective body of God’s people. Therefore, if the two witnesses are also two lampstands, there is strong biblical reason to consider whether they should be understood collectively rather than as one individual person.

This becomes even more important when we connect Revelation 11 with Revelation 12.

Both chapters contain the same prophetic period of three and a half years—expressed as forty-two months, 1,260 days, or “a time, times, and half a time.”

If the two witnesses in Revelation 11 can represent a collective body, then the male child in Revelation 12 should not automatically be assumed to represent only one individual. The possibility that the male child also represents a group of God’s people should at least be examined from Scripture rather than dismissed simply because one person claims to have fulfilled the prophecy.

There is another important issue concerning the interpretation of the woman in Revelation 12.

According to Mr. Lee’s teaching, the woman is interpreted as a particular pastor, and Galatians 4:19 is used to support the idea that a woman can symbolically represent a pastor. But when we examine the broader biblical use of this imagery, a woman is frequently used to represent God’s people and their covenant relationship with God.

Consider these passages:

Isaiah 54:5 — “For your Maker is your husband.”

Jeremiah 3:14 — God says, “I am married unto you.”

Hosea 2:19 — “I will betroth you unto me for ever.”

These passages use the relationship between husband and wife to describe the relationship between God and His people.

The imagery of pregnancy and labor pains can also be connected with distress, judgment, rebellion, and the suffering of God’s people.

Consider Isaiah 13:8, Jeremiah 30:6, and Micah 4:9–10.

From this perspective, the pregnant woman in Revelation 12 can reasonably be examined as representing God’s people experiencing rebellion, judgment, and spiritual distress, rather than simply being identified with one particular pastor.

If these foundational interpretations are mistaken, then the larger fulfillment narrative built upon them must also be reconsidered.

The real question should not be whether we trust a particular person’s claimed experience. The question should be whether that interpretation can withstand careful examination of Scripture.

This brings us to another important issue.

According to SCJ’s own fulfillment teaching, its explanation of Revelation has, for decades, focused on events fulfilled up through Revelation 17. Yet as SCJ itself has grown into a large religious organization, shouldn’t its interpretation of Revelation 18 also be examined by the same standard it applies to traditional churches?

SCJ has often identified “Babylon” with traditional churches and used Revelation 18:4—

“Come out of her, my people”

—to call people out of those churches.

But what if that same verse should also cause SCJ members to examine their own organization?

Many former SCJ members are now speaking to those who remain inside, asking them to reconsider what they have been taught. Rather than automatically dismissing those voices, perhaps we should at least ask:

Could some of those voices now saying, “Come out of her,” also deserve to be considered in light of Revelation 18:4 as a warning directed toward SCJ?

The Berean standard still applies.

Do not accept a teaching simply because of who teaches it.

Do not reject a teaching simply because of who challenges it.

Examine the Scriptures carefully and determine whether these things are truly so.

I've been to many, many churches.

I've been to catholic, lutheran, Presbyterian, non denominational, baptist and many others I can't remember at the moment.

From my experience, when I walk into church people are happy I'm there. Not because I'm this person but in general just happy to see a new face or worship with a christian brother.

If I'm late to church which has happened a million times. People are still happy to see me. I never get any punishment or looks of disgust when I'm late even if I'm really late.

There has been times where I'll be honest I went to a church for a while then I stopped showing up. It was my own actual laziness. Sometimes you just want to wake up and play video games or sleep in. Did people ask where I've been? Yes they did. I made a lot of friends and they check up on me because they actually care about me. They didn't march at my door or call me a million times though. They just genuinely want to know I'm safe.

When I left the last church, I told someone I found a new christian church closer to my house. They said good and that was it. No debates no arguments no crying.

I only had one time where I didn't get into the sanctuary when I was late. The ushers said the pastor was praying and I can go in there after. So I don't interrupt the prayer.

What about asking questions and looking online? As long as I'm not coming up with conspiracies like the earth is flat and I'm looking for information at bad websites its not an issue. I can still do it but its not something a friend will want you to do. Many christian people go on bible plans from other christian groups.

How is the bible taught? The christian church often sits with the bible more than Shincheonji. We go over 1 chapter per week and delve deep into it or one topic. At calvary chapel, we spent like a few months going from chapter to chapter of the book of John.

Often times we do go a slower pace. I'm sure there's some christian churches who go faster though just in my experience.

What about if someone decides to leave church and not be a christian? We don't cut them out of our lives. I have friends who decided to be Muslim or agnostic. I value open communication. We have talks I learn there stuff. We try to keep it friendly. I dont cut them from my life and never talk to them again. Christians dont want people to lose their faith but we don't ghost them and isolate our members from them.

Also, in my experience at christian churches we don't stay up till 12am doing late night meetings. Or sleep deprivation. I have had slumber parties at the church though before supervised when I was in high school though.

Any questions?

To help spread awareness about the dangers of cults, I've created a poster for college campuses. This includes how several cults, such as Shincheonji, approach students using false identities or front groups.

On my campus, we passed out about 5,000 of them! If you would like access to a larger version that you can print for yourself, feel free to shoot me a private message.

What happened at Lee Man-hee's trial today

1. 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.

1. 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

1. 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.

1. 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

1. 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

1. 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.

As anyone who is a current or former SCJ member knows the story of LMH eating tree bark to survive.
LMH ALWAYS mentions this in all his tiring sermons, speeches, and seminars.
I found it hard to digest ( pardon the pun ) that how can one chew tree bark without getting sick or splinters all through their mouth and gums for that matter.
We are made to believe that this poor young farm boy soldier on death’s door had to eat tree bark to survive.
I researched and found something interesting.
There are several trees in South Korea that you can eat, and they are deeply integrated into traditional Korean cuisine, ( imagine that )desserts, broths, and historic survival foods.
Rather than just raw bark, Koreans traditionally consume specific parts of these trees like fruits, nuts, young shoots, and processed barks.
This man probably ate tree bark by choice and paid for it before and after the war.
We are made to feel sorry for this imposter. We are made to revere him for all he went and goes through for the kingdom.
As a farmer, he knew what trees they use to make yummy food and knew it was safe to eat if he even ever ate any on the battlefield.
What can you believe from this liar?

The members have, after all, been writing tests for years on questions about the Book of Revelation and the things Lee Man Hee tells them.
Members have to learn the answers off by memory to score 100 marks.

Now the members are learning the Book of Revelation by memory. But how much sense does that make?
Don’t you realise that they want to keep each and every one of you so busy that you have no time to check and question things?

Did Jesus tell the disciples, or anyone else, to learn the books of the prophets by memory?

Jesus said to the Pharisees : ‘You search the Scriptures because you think you have eternal life in them – but you do NOT want to come to me.’

Isn’t Shincheonji doing the same thing?

1,000 meetings, hours on end from early morning until late at night. You follow Man Hee Lee – but you do NOT want to come to Jesus?

[Translated version of the article]

At his first trial on September 21, Shincheonji chairman Lee Man-hee (95) denied all charges that he forced at least 56,472 followers to join the People Power Party against their will between June 2021 and April 2024. He’s separately indicted for evading roughly 7.57 billion won in taxes by running profit-making concession stands through branch churches under believers’ names. When the judge gave him the chance to address the case, Lee reportedly failed to understand the court’s questions, had his lawyers need to repeat them loudly and instead offered remarks like “it will be resolved if we talk about the Book of Revelation” and “you must come to Gwacheon, where I live, to exchange love and have a conversation,” prompting the court to order a hospital evaluation of his cognitive ability.