Shincheonji Lee Man-hee, New York Times Square ad...Massive promotion of 'plasma donation'

Nov. 20, 2020 ENG translation 

Original Source: http://news.tf.co.kr/read/world/1825966.htm (KOR) Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIb_UbkQC4c

[The Fact = Reporter Moon Hye-hyun] Advertisements of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus (Shincheonji) and General Assembly President Lee Man-hee are drawing attention in Times Square, New York, the U.S.

A Korean in his 30s living in the U.S. was surprised to see an advertisement on the billboard of a building in Times Square, New York, on the afternoon of the 18th (local time). The one-minute video posted on the electronic display included promoting the completion ceremony of Lee Man-hee, the president of the General Assembly on a world peace tour, and the 100,000 believers in Shincheonji, which was known to have been held last year. "I was surprised to see the advertisement and screamed," A said.

In addition, there was a phrase in the advertisement that 25,000 Sinchonji Christians were praying to overcome the new coronavirus infection (Corona 19). The ad extensively promoted the three-time project, saying that the members of the Church cured in Corona participated in the plasma donation.

In response, an official from Sincheonji, Korea, said in a telephone interview with The Fact, "Since there are our saints in the U.S., I think they did so in order to cheer for the news of plasma donation (of Korea)," adding, "I think the intention was to gather the hearts of other saints on the other side of the globe."

"The plasma donation is underway for 4,000 people from the 16th to the 4th of December," he said. "Daegu City has provided a gym, so we are conducting a group plasma donation of several people a day." It's still happening with people from the Blood Service.

"Isn't Corona 19 a pandemic situation around the world? It seems that we are trying to overcome Corona 19 together. It hasn't been long since the ad was posted," he said.

Times Square's billboards are known to be highly exposed and have significant unit prices, with some saying that "all advertisements from around the world are gathered." According to the advertising industry, the price is between 13 million won (around $12,000) and 22 million  won (around $20,000) per 15-minute ad. However, Times Square ads are known to be banned from advertising if they have certain political purposes or contain content that deals with social issues.

An advertising industry source said in a telephone conversation with The Fact, "I understand that advertising (advertising related to religion) is not possible if there are materials that can cause social issues or conflicts," and wondered, "(advertising related to religion) is probably impossible."

On the 17th, Lee attended the 11th hearing on charges of violating the Act on the Prevention of Infectious Diseases, which will be held at the hearing of the 11th Criminal Department of the Suwon District Court (Senior Judge Kim Mi-kyung).

President Lee is suspected of conspiring with Sinchonji officials in February to falsely submit a list of believers, a list of worshipers, and the status of facilities to quarantine authorities and destroying related evidence as the number of new coronavirus infections (Corona 19) increased.

It is also suspected of embezzling 5.6 billion won (violation of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes) in the process of building the Peace Palace, a training center in Sincheonji, and holding religious events at public facilities of the local government from 2015 to last year without the approval of local governments.

Lee, who was arrested in August, applied for bail on Sept. 18, when the trial preparation period was under way, citing old age and chronic disease. In response, the 11th criminal division of the Suwon District Court cited an application for bail on the 12th on the condition that electronic devices are attached, residential areas are restricted and 100 million won (around $100,000) in bail deposits are paid.

In addition, Lee Man-hee, president of the General Assembly, attended a hearing held at Suwon District Court in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province on the afternoon of the 16th, and when he returned home, he was seen walking home alone from the car ([single] Lee Man-hee of the Wheelchair trial, and a surprise "straight walk" in front of the house http://news.tf.co.kr/read/photomovie/1825029.htm), sparking controversy.

                

moone@tf.co.kr