The Korea Times close
National
  • Politics
  • Foreign Affairs
  • Multicultural Community
  • Defense
  • Environment & Animals
  • Law & Crime
  • Society
  • Health & Science
Business
  • Tech
  • Bio
  • Companies
Finance
  • Companies
  • Economy
  • Markets
Opinion
  • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Thoughts of the Times
  • Cartoon
  • Today in History
  • Blogs
  • Tribune Service
  • Blondie & Garfield
  • Letter to President
  • Letter to the Editor
Lifestyle
  • Travel & Food
  • Trends
  • People & Events
  • Books
  • Around Town
  • Fortune Telling
Entertainment
& Arts
  • K-pop
  • Films
  • Shows & Dramas
  • Music
  • Theater & Others
Sports
World
  • SCMP
  • Asia
Video
  • Culture
  • People
  • News
Photos
  • Photo News
  • Darkroom
  • The Korea Times
  • search
  • Site Map
  • E-paper
  • Subscribe
  • Register
  • LogIn
search close
  • The Korea Times
  • search
  • Site Map
  • E-paper
  • Subscribe
  • Register
  • LogIn
search close
National
  • Politics
  • Foreign Affairs
  • Multicultural Community
  • Defense
  • Environment & Animals
  • Law & Crime
  • Society
  • Health & Science
Sun, May 29, 2022 | 18:28
Health & Science
Shincheonji leader apologizes over coronavirus spread
Posted : 2020-03-02 16:14
Updated : 2020-03-02 16:28
Print Preview
Font Size Up
Font Size Down
Shincheonji leader Lee Man-hee makes a deep bow before reporters in a show of apology over his followers' contribution to the widespread of coronavirus in South Korea at the Palace of Peace, a training center for Shincheonji believers, in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, Monday. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
Shincheonji leader Lee Man-hee makes a deep bow before reporters in a show of apology over his followers' contribution to the widespread of coronavirus in South Korea at the Palace of Peace, a training center for Shincheonji believers, in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, Monday. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

The leader of a South Korean sect linked to more than half the country's 4,000-plus coronavirus cases apologized Monday for the spread of the disease.

"I would like to offer my sincere apology to the people on behalf of the members," said Shincheonji head Lee Man-hee, 89, his voice breaking.

He twice got on his knees to bow before reporters in Gapyeong, his head to the floor.

"Although it was not intentional, many people have been infected," he said.

"We put our utmost efforts but were unable to prevent it all. I seek the forgiveness of the people.

"I am very thankful to the government for its efforts. I also seek the forgiveness of the government."

Shincheonji leader Lee Man-hee makes a deep bow before reporters in a show of apology over his followers' contribution to the widespread of coronavirus in South Korea at the Palace of Peace, a training center for Shincheonji believers, in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, Monday. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
Lee speaks to reporters. The woman next to him was seen sporadically relaying questions from reporters, hinting that Lee, 89, could have a hearing problem. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

Shincheonji leader Lee Man-hee makes a deep bow before reporters in a show of apology over his followers' contribution to the widespread of coronavirus in South Korea at the Palace of Peace, a training center for Shincheonji believers, in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, Monday. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
Lee holds a written statement during the press conference at the Palace of Peace, a training center for Shincheonji believers, in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, Monday. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

Lee is revered by his followers as the "Promised Pastor" who will take 144,000 people with him to heaven on the Judgment Day, and his group is often condemned as a cult.

A female member, 61, developed a fever on February 10, but attended at least four church services in Daegu ― the country's fourth-largest city with a population of 2.5 million and the centre of the outbreak ― before being diagnosed.

South Korea's case numbers are expected to rise further as authorities check more than 260,000 people associated with Shincheonji.

Seoul's city government has asked prosecutors to press charges, including murder, against Lee and 11 other sect leaders for failing to cooperate in containing the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

Lee insisted that the group was "actively cooperating" with the government.

"We will do our best and not spare human and material support," he added, pausing occasionally to wipe away tears as protesters shouted abuse. (AFP)


 
  • Korean Mental Health: Stranger Things
  • Dutch Korean artist's project: The Mother Mountain Institute of Sara Sejin Chang
  • Why Mario Outlet founder keeps buying houses of former presidents
  • S. Korea's new COVID-19 cases below 20,000 for 3rd day as pandemic slows
  • Union agress to resume late-night subway services in Seoul starting next month
  • Regional banks' declining offline business casts doubts over relocation plan of Seoul firms
  • 'Russia needs huge financial resources for military operations'
  • KOICA launches interactive town in metaverse for overseas volunteer program
  • Former rhythmic gymnast Son Yeon-jae to wed in August
  • Uvalde school police chief faulted in shooting response
  • Korean films make splash at Cannes Film Festival Korean films make splash at Cannes Film Festival
  • From BTS to TWICE's Nayeon, K-pop hotshots prepare June releases From BTS to TWICE's Nayeon, K-pop hotshots prepare June releases
  • How did BTS become beacon of diversity and inclusion? How did BTS become beacon of diversity and inclusion?
  • K-pop band BTS and Biden to meet to discuss Asian inclusion, discrimination K-pop band BTS and Biden to meet to discuss Asian inclusion, discrimination
  • For new cultural policy for hallyu For new cultural policy for hallyu
DARKROOM
  • 75th Cannes Film Festival

    75th Cannes Film Festival

  • People in North Korea trapped in famine and pandemic

    People in North Korea trapped in famine and pandemic

  • 2022 Pulitzer Prize: Bearing witness to history

    2022 Pulitzer Prize: Bearing witness to history

  • Worsening drought puts millions at risk

    Worsening drought puts millions at risk

  • Our children deserve the best

    Our children deserve the best

The Korea Times
CEO & Publisher : Oh Young-jin
Digital News Email : webmaster@koreatimes.co.kr
Tel : 02-724-2114
Online newspaper registration No : 서울,아52844
Date of registration : 2020.02.05
Masthead : The Korea Times
Copyright © koreatimes.co.kr. All rights reserved.
  • About Us
  • Introduction
  • History
  • Location
  • Media Kit
  • Contact Us
  • Products & Service
  • Subscribe
  • E-paper
  • Mobile Service
  • RSS Service
  • Content Sales
  • Policy
  • Privacy Statement
  • Terms of Service
  • 고충처리인
  • Youth Protection Policy
  • Code of Ethics
  • Copyright Policy
  • Family Site
  • Hankook Ilbo
  • Dongwha Group