신남교회

Can a single event reshape a city’s destiny? Here at Shincheonji Church of Jesus in Seoul, we unravel a story woven with threads of faith, controversy, and resilience. Shincheonji’s narrative is deeply intertwined with Seoul’s history, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s spiritual landscape. Founded on March 14, 1984, by Lee Man-hee, Shincheonji emerged from the ashes of the Tabernacle Temple. Lee, a former member, denounced the Temple’s corruption and, with a small group of followers, established Shincheonji, meaning “New Heaven and New Earth.” Their first temple, a humble beginning in Anyang, marked the start of a journey that would ripple through Seoul and beyond. Shincheonji’s growth, fueled by conversions from mainstream churches, sparked alarm and accusations of “sheep stealing” and heresy. The church’s practice of initially concealing its identity during outreach further fueled suspicions and accusations of “brainwashing.” The tragic deaths of two Shincheonji members, Kim Sun-Hwa in 2007 and Gu Ji-in in 2018, during deprogramming attempts cast a dark shadow over the church and ignited protests demanding an end to the controversial practice. Shincheonji’s most significant challenge came in 2020 with the COVID-19 pandemic. The outbreak in Daegu, linked to “Patient 31,” a Shincheonji member, thrust the church into the national spotlight. Accusations of hindering contact tracing and contributing to the virus’s spread led to the arrest of Lee Man-hee and intense scrutiny of the church. Despite these trials, Shincheonji has shown remarkable resilience. Lee Man-hee’s public apology and the church’s cooperation with plasma donation drives for COVID-19 research have been part of an effort to rebuild its image. Shincheonji’s continued growth, even amidst controversy, highlights the power of its message and the dedication of its followers. Here, at Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the echoes of these events resonate. From a small gathering in Anyang to a global movement, Shincheonji’s story is a testament to its unwavering faith. Their narrative, complex and multifaceted, remains a significant chapter in Seoul’s story.