A prominent Korean Christian megachurch known for its charismatic leadership and miraculous healing claims.
Religion: Christianity
Denomination: Pentecostalism
Founder: Jaerock Lee
Founded: 1982
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Size: Approximately 100,000 members
Website: manmin.org
Manmin Central Church, a prominent Protestant Christian megachurch based in Seoul, South Korea, was founded in 1982 by Jaerock Lee. The name “Manmin” translates to ‘all creation; all the nations; all the people,’ reflecting the church’s expansive outreach and mission. It has established itself as one of the largest churches in Korea, claiming to have the most significant number of churches within the country and a global membership exceeding 120,000 individuals.
The church organizes various Christian activities, including the praise special orchestra “Nissi,” which plays a crucial role in Manmin’s ministry, performing at national events and charitable concerts. Manmin has also been involved in numerous Korean Christian activities, rooted in its commitment to spreading its message and contributing to societal welfare. In addition, the church has also engaged in missionary activities, sending missionaries to continents like North America, South America, Africa, and Asia, emphasizing its global outreach efforts.
Jaerock Lee was also known for his extensive missionary and evangelistic activities worldwide, including large-scale Christian events and so-called crusades in countries such as Pakistan, Kenya, the Philippines, Honduras, India, Russia, and many more. His travels were marked by significant gatherings and healing festivals, claiming miraculous healings and divine interventions.
However, Lee’s tenure as the head of Manmin Central Church was marked by significant controversy and legal challenges, particularly concerning his personal conduct. In 2018, he was convicted of sexually assaulting several female followers, who believed in his divine authority implicitly, and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. This belief was so ingrained that the victims thought their salvation and their place in heaven were contingent upon their obedience to Lee’s demands. The court sentenced Lee to 15 years in prison, acknowledging the gravity of his offenses, under the guise of spiritual guidance, and the betrayal of trust involved.
The allegations and subsequent conviction of Lee cast a long shadow over Manmin Central Church, igniting debates about the nature of religious authority and the vulnerabilities of the faithful in new religious movements. Critics and mainstream Christian organizations in South Korea have labeled Manmin as a cult, pointing to the absolute authority Lee held over his followers and the egregious misuse of this power as indicative of the organization’s departure from more conventional religious practices and beliefs. Further complicating the church’s standing are reports from international followers and branches including in China, where followers have been detained and interrogated by local police.
image via Manmin
