Interview with Kim Nam-hee, former IWPG Chairwoman

The video has been translated from Korean to English.

Interview with Kim Nam-hee, former IWPG Chairwoman 존존티비 전 IWPG 김남희 대표 인터뷰 전체 영상 (영어자막포함)

[Host] (0:16 – 1:53)
Hello, Shincheonji members. This is JonJon. Thank you for waiting. As we announced last time, today we are joined by former IWPG President Kim Nam-hee.

It seems that many people, especially in the media, have been eager for this moment. Media outlets like MBC PD Notebook, which has close ties to Shincheonji, contacted us multiple times—twice, actually. We also received interview requests from JTBC and Christian media outlet NewsM. Additionally, individuals actively raising awareness about Shincheonji reached out to me, saying they wanted to meet President Kim Nam-hee in person.

People like Professor Tak Ji-il from Modern Religion, Pastor Shin Hyun-woong from Guri First Church, and Pastor Park Hyang-mi from the National Victims Coalition Against Shincheonji all contacted us. Among all these requests, we are thankful that President Kim Nam-hee chose to appear on JonJonTV first. Above all, I truly believe today’s video will help many souls break free from Shincheonji.

Today’s interview with President Kim Nam-hee will be conducted over the phone. So we’ll try connecting with her now. Hello?

[Kim Nam-hee] (1:53 – 1:54)
Yes, hello.

[Host] (1:55 – 2:07)
So many people have been waiting for this moment. Especially Shincheonji members—I hope your testimony today will be the turning point for many to leave.

[Kim Nam-hee] (2:07 – 2:11)
Yes, that is also my sincere hope.

[Host] (2:12 – 2:18)
Could you tell us again why you chose to appear on JonJonTV?

[Kim Nam-hee] (2:18 – 2:56)
Lee Man Hee is not the Savior. He is not God. He is just a sinner like me. That means he will surely die. And all of us—everyone—will be judged after death.

But Shincheonji, this religious fraud group that believes Lee Man Hee is the Savior, must be removed from this world. That’s why I’m appearing today—to reveal the true nature of Lee Man Hee.

[Host] (2:56 – 3:21)
After the last video aired, Shincheonji quickly issued an emergency notice to all members. One part of that notice said that Lee Man Hee kicked you out of Shincheonji. Many Shincheonji members asked me if that’s true. Could you respond to that?

[Kim Nam-hee] (3:22 – 4:16)
That’s exactly the kind of thing Lee Man Hee would do. That’s how he’s been deceiving members all this time—with tricks like that.

I realized that there is absolutely no salvation in Shincheonji. That’s why I left of my own will. What’s most important is that I escaped the trap of Satan and returned to the arms of Jesus Christ, who is the true Lord and Savior. That is what I’m most thankful for—it is precious and essential to me.

Also, how can someone who supposedly kicked me out of Shincheonji still be following me around, finding out my home address, and even sending letters saying, “I still love you, please come back”? He sent that to your house?

[Host] (4:17 – 4:48)
You sent me some documents. Is this letter really from Lee Man Hee? Yes, it is.

It says here, “I still love you, please come back.” Then, to add to this, Shincheonji is claiming that the marriage vow document and the letter titled “A Promise from Man Hee to Nam Hee”, which we showed in the last video, were fabricated by you. Could you explain that?

[Kim Nam-hee] (4:50 – 7:02)
That’s nothing new to me. That’s just how Lee Man Hee has always lived—that’s his way of life.

As I begin to share my testimony today, I wonder if people can still believe what Shincheonji says. That’s what I’m really curious about. Before we go into the main topic, I’d like to start with a verse from the Bible.

John 8:10–11 says:
“Jesus straightened up and asked her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir,’ she said. ‘Then neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.’ Amen.”

The reason I was able to come out like this is because Jesus forgave me. He no longer holds my past sins against me. And He told me not to sin again. These words gave me the courage to come forward.

I’ve experienced things so dark and filthy, I don’t even want to remember them, let alone speak of them. I wanted to hide them forever. So why did I decide to speak out? It’s only because I know it is God’s will—for me to expose the true nature of Lee Man Hee, and for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ. I don’t care what happens to me. I came out for that one purpose—to fulfill His will.

[Host] (7:03 – 7:12)
Your decision today will definitely help many Shincheonji members come to know the truth.

[Kim Nam-hee] (7:12 – 7:15)
Yes, that is my hope.

[Host] (7:16 – 7:26)
Then let me begin the real questions. First, when did you first meet Lee Man Hee in Shincheonji?

[Kim Nam-hee] (7:27 – 8:46) The first time I met him was during the 2002 graduation ceremony. I gave a speech and then we had a meal together. That’s when he said something really shocking—he said he already knew I was coming. He said that in his dream, we held hands and worked together. And when he saw my face, he said it was the same one from his dream. Thinking back now, I feel like that was a very calculated approach. At that time, I lived in a large apartment in Apgujeong, and there was an evangelist close to Lee Man Hee who kept visiting my home, offering to pray and teach me more. It’s clear now—Shincheonji has a whole system where any status, honor, or even wealth gets reported directly to Lee Man Hee in detail.

[Host] (8:46 – 8:52) What did you think when Lee Man Hee said that to you during the graduation ceremony?

[Kim Nam-hee] (8:52 – 11:10) I’ve always only known God and Jesus. I was a very passionate Catholic and even known at the Apgujeong Catholic Church. So I took what he said as God knowing me and giving me a mission to work hard. I began running the Apgujeong Evangelism Center in 2003. I paid the rent with my own money, and Shincheonji never took responsibility for the costs. Every month, I spent over 20 million KRW on welfare and operation costs for mission workers. Despite being just a center, it became so influential that all 12 tribes came to observe. No one can deny that Apgujeong made one of the biggest contributions to Shincheonji’s expansion. Lee Man Hee often visited and called me almost daily. He said any wealth I had should be used for Shincheonji because it was given by God for that purpose. He said once the 144,000 were sealed—since they’re the priests—then all the “great multitude in white” people from around the world would come to Korea bringing gold and treasures. That’s why money wouldn’t matter later, and so people continue to give offerings, no matter what.

[Host] (11:10 – 11:19) Was there a specific event that brought you and Lee Man Hee closer?

[Kim Nam-hee] (11:20 – 16:34) Yes. I had an apartment in Gyeryong called Miseojium. One day, I went there with Lee Man Hee and some center leaders. He liked how spacious and scenic it was and asked if he could use it to rest and write. I gave him the key without hesitation. Then one day, he called me to Gyeryong. When I got there, he was alone. I asked about the driver, and he said he sent him home. Then he told me something I could barely believe—he said he was single, never married, and never registered any marriage. I had seen a woman beside him before and assumed she was his wife. When I asked who she was, he said she was just a woman who had lied to her family to follow her faith and now just cooked for him like a live-in helper. Then he told me God had prepared a spiritual partner for him from heaven, and that partner was me. He said we had once been one, then separated, and now reunited by God. He said we had to get married and live together. I was shocked—it hadn’t been long since I graduated from the center, and it was too much to take in. But back then, everything he said felt like law. Anyone in my position, under Shincheonji’s indoctrination, wouldn’t have had a choice. He even told others around him that once his true partner came, he’d marry her—because all the women he’d been close with weren’t meant to be. And I heard him say that publicly, without shame.

[Host] (16:35 – 17:18) You sent us some material. Let’s listen to a clip where Lee Man Hee responds when asked if he married a certain tribe leader.

[Kim Nam-hee] (17:18 – 18:23) Yes, he flat-out denies it. His words are so convincing, you can’t argue with him. At the time, I was a mother of two with a husband. I asked, “If God chose me to be your partner, shouldn’t I have met you before marriage? God wouldn’t break up a family.” And he said the world was so dangerous that God gave me a good man to protect me until the right time, and that now God brought me to Shincheonji to reunite with him.

[Host] (18:23 – 18:26) So he claimed he was your real husband.

[Kim Nam-hee] (18:26 – 20:12) Yes. He said I was the rib God had taken from him—his perfect match. Not too tall, not too short, same weight, same everything. He said it so solemnly. At that moment, I was completely caught in his trap. He used God’s name and religion to manipulate me. From then on, I wasn’t some spiritual representative—I became his physical wife. He wrote me love letters every day, handing them to me whenever we met. I kept them, and now I believe God had me save those letters to expose him today. Let me show you a few.

[Host] (20:14 – 20:40) 

Here’s one of the items you sent—it looks like a shell?

[Kim Nam-hee] (20:40 – 20:50) 

That’s actually an abalone shell. He wrote messages on many of them. He called himself the apricot tree and me the mulberry tree—each had its meaning.

[Host] (20:51 – 22:14) 

These messages say your relationship was divinely arranged. Here’s one: “January 1st, Shincheon Era Year 28. A blessed meeting. A groom and bride brought together by God live as one body and household, honoring God and creating a paradise home of light.” He even signed it: “Lee Man Hee, in the meeting of light and light.” Another message: “Even if you don’t believe me, I believe in you. God gave you to me, so I treasure and love you. You’re beautiful. You’re my first love—Lee Man Hee.” And another: “Even if our bodies are apart, our hearts are one. Our love only deepens.” These were signed “Shincheonji Kim Nam Hee’s groom, Lee Man Hee.”

[Kim Nam-hee] (22:16 – 22:33) That’s when he called me down to Gyeryong for a wedding ceremony. He designed the wedding rings himself and had them custom made. We each kept one.

[Host] (22:33 – 22:36) Are these the rings we saw in the previous video?

[Kim Nam-hee] (22:36 – 23:02) Yes. We exchanged vows as husband and wife. Later, he found a place where they hold traditional weddings. He said we needed photos, so we went and took several wedding pictures. That’s how we got married. Those photos are what you saw earlier.

[Host] (23:02 – 23:07) The photos where both of you are wearing hanbok?

[Kim Nam-hee] (23:07 – 23:17) Yes. And even after that, he would say unbelievable things to me. I was already middle-aged…

[Kim Nam-hee1] (23:17 – 23:18)
Yes.

[Kim Nam-hee] (23:18 – 24:38)
But he said I must give birth to a son. A son? Yes, yes—still alive, of course. He talked about how Abraham had a son at 100 years old. And just like Sarai’s name was changed to Sarah, he said things changed for me too. I used to be Namyang Namja. You know, Namja as in the Chinese character for “man”?

But then he changed it to “Nongnamu” (농나무). Nongnamu, he said, symbolizes driving out Satan—the serpent. But he claimed he was the Tree of Life. So he called himself “Hayeongeom,” the guardian sword of the Tree of Life. He said I must never be separated from him. He wrote me countless letters, saying I must stay attached to him like a pin or a clasp. He even gave me titles like “Hol,” “Dal,” and more. Yes, I’ve heard those a lot. He even wrote me a poem when we were in the Philippines. I think you pulled up the frame with the poem on the screen—it starts with “Tree of Life” and “Nongnamu,” right?

[Host] (24:38 – 25:23)
Yes, I saw that when I visited Goseong. Let me read it aloud:
“Precious and dear, beautiful and cherished tree,
The heavenly tree giving life to all people.
Each of the twelve months bears twelve fruits.
The tree of life shines in the morning dew before all nations.
On a quiet New Year’s morning, the guardian sword Hayeongeom
Circles around the tree of life.
Nongnamu or Hol, the Tree of Life never leaves—
This is the command of God.
In the heavenly sunlight, under bright moonlight,
The laurel tree and jade rabbit engraved,
Shaped with a golden axe,
The thatched-roof heavenly palace where God and Jesus reside—
We will live there forever.”
Written in the Philippines.

[Kim Nam-hee] (25:23 – 25:53)
You can see it all there—Nongnamu, Hol, the moon. The moonlight refers to me, and he is the sun. Hol represents loyalty—someone who never leaves the king’s side. He must’ve seen too many historical dramas and got caught up in his fantasy. And I believed it all. Then he told me—even though we had already had a wedding—he would someday marry me before the “Shin Doodeul,” the new spiritual leaders.

[Host] (25:53 – 26:01)
Wait—let’s go back to the topic about the son. He asked you to give birth to a son?

[Kim Nam-hee] (26:01 – 26:29)
Yes, he asked me to bear a son. And the name he gave him was “Lee Cheon Jong.” Lee Cheon Jong? Yes. When we had arguments, like any couple does, he would write me letters saying things like, “Where did you throw away Cheon Jong?” or “A couple’s quarrel is like cutting water with a sword.”

[Host] (26:29 – 26:31)
We pulled up the materials you sent us.

[Kim Nam-hee] (26:31 – 26:50)
Yes, that’s just part of it. He wrote the name “Lee Cheon Jong” in Chinese characters. “Cheon” for Heaven, “Jong” for seed. It means “Heaven’s seed.” Because he considers himself God, he said the son was the seed of heaven—God’s seed. He had it all planned—our child’s name and everything.

[Host] (26:53 – 26:56)
I’m supposed to host this show but I’m speechless.

[Kim Nam-hee] (26:56 – 29:05)
Yes, of course you are. We had a full wedding ceremony—signed vows, wore ceremonial Hanbok, took photos, exchanged rings. Then he told me, “You’re my wife now, so you must go to my parents’ grave and perform a ritual.” The grave site was in ruins, but he made me clean it up, set up a headstone. He showed me the inscription: “Huin Kim Nam-yi.” Then he explained: “Huin” means ‘consort’—a future queen. He said he came from a royal bloodline, and in royal families, a woman chosen to become queen was called “Huin” beforehand. So he said once the Shincheonji work is complete, I will become the queen. He engraved that meaning into the headstone. After it was all set, I wore Hanbok, bowed at the grave, and prayed. And during the prayer, he cried and begged as if it were real: “Mother, Father, this is the bride Heaven has sent. Please watch over us so we can live happily forever.” Then he told me I had to buy the apple orchard beneath the grave site.

[Host] (29:05 – 29:06)
The orchard?

[Kim Nam-hee] (29:06 – 31:28)
Yes, I had to buy the orchard. He said his father told him that buying that land would bring blessings and prosperity. So I bought it. At first, he said it would be a place for holidays, where we’d hold ancestral rites. Then he changed the plan—it became a “meeting shelter,” a resting area for pilgrimage members. That’s the rest stop in Cheongdo, near the grave site. Then he said I should buy land for his nephew to farm, so I bought that too. While doing all this, he kept telling me that one day, he’d hold the greatest wedding ever, with all Shincheonji members watching, live-streamed to the world. Remember the 6th Peace Festival? At the end, there was a performance about a wedding banquet—that was our wedding. You didn’t know, did you? But Lee Man Hee wrote the whole script, designed the costumes for king and queen, and planned it all to look amazing. That day it started raining in the afternoon. Our performance was last. He got angry and made them cancel everything else just so our ceremony could go ahead.

[Host] (31:28 – 31:31)
Right, all the other events got canceled. It was chaos.

[Kim Nam-hee] (31:31 – 31:58)
He screamed and cursed because he was afraid it wouldn’t happen. He said this was the most important part. So they rushed it. He always sang to me, bragging that he was the best husband. But really, all the members were fooled by Lee Man Hee’s scheme.

[Host] (31:58 – 32:02)
I thought, “No way,” but it was really a wedding.

[Kim Nam-hee] (32:02 – 32:11)
It was real—truly real. 

[Host] 

To the members, what Lee Man Hee says is law.

[Kim Nam-hee] (32:11 – 32:11)
That’s right.

[Kim Nam-hee] (32:12 – 32:54)
People outside will ask, “How could something so irrational happen?” But once you’re inside, you get brainwashed and addicted. If Lee Man Hee says it, you say “Amen.” He told me that if I didn’t get divorced, my husband would die. That’s right. He said, “Heaven has matched us. If you disobey, you’ll die, go to hell, and your family will go too.” He designed that whole idea. Do you want to see the plan?

[Host] (32:54 – 32:56)
Yes, let’s take a look at the video.

[Video]

From the sermon of Lee Man-hee on January 18, 2006 His sermon was recorded with someone else’s voice due to a copyright infringement notice from Shincheonji.

[Speaker 3] (32:57 – 34:30)
Shouldn’t someone with the authority to judge step in and resolve these issues? So this person says the following—please listen carefully: One couple belongs to God, and the other belongs to Babylon, the devil. Then can both go to heaven? If the one who belongs to God follows the one who belongs to Babylon, they will end up in hell. So if you say, “Whether you go to Babylon or not, I’m going to heaven,” then you have to separate. Think about it. What do you think? It makes sense, right? One person is born of God’s seed and has the Holy Spirit, while the other, even if they’re not siblings, not parent and child, or even not spouses, if they are not one, then one belongs to Babylon and the other to God. One is born of Babylon’s seed and has the spirit of Babylon, and the other is born of God’s seed and has the Holy Spirit. What would happen if these two stay together? Clearly, one must go to heaven, and the other must go to Babylon. So they must separate. You need to listen to this deeply. This person says they will do just that. Anyone who is not born of God’s seed and does not have God’s spirit cannot go to heaven with others.

[End of Video]

[Kim Nam-hee] (34:30 – 35:13)
So basically, he’s saying he’s the Judge and God, right? And if we don’t separate, we’ll go to hell. If we can’t go together, we must split. He told this to the congregation, and everyone there responded with “Amen.” “Amen” means they agree to do just that. I also responded that way. After the Sixth Wedding Banquet, those who understood what was happening knew. From then on, the assembly leaders started calling me “samonim” (pastor’s wife). That happened. You can hear that voice too.

[Host] (35:14 – 35:17)
Here it is. Let’s listen to the recording.

[Kim Nam-hee] (35:17 – 35:18)
Yes, hello?

[Host] (35:18 – 35:32)
Samonim, it’s me. Are there many people with you? No, I came yesterday to clean, and now I’m leaving. This person seems to be from Gwangju, and they really do call her “Samonim.”

[Kim Nam-hee] (35:32 – 39:09)
Yes, that’s how it happened. I was told that if I didn’t divorce, both my husband and I would die—he from sin and me from disobedience. Professor Lee Man Hee said that. But at first, he told me we were never legally married. He said that if I divorced, he would wait a year before divorcing himself. At first, he claimed we never had a marriage ceremony. Right? He denied we had a union. But once I divorced, we had to register our marriage. Then he changed his story—saying after a year, he’d divorce and then register the marriage with me. I had no idea he was lying. Apparently, the old lady had registered the marriage on her own, and each had a separate divorce document. He said it meant nothing—that there was no relationship. And then he started saying things like, “We must hurry to marry off your daughter so we can get married too.” He once told me the only person he truly felt sorry to was my daughter.

A long time ago, during the Apgujeong Culture Festival at Cheongdam Elementary and Middle School, I led an event that became the foundation of all Shincheonji events. In a photo from that event, you can see Lee Man Hee, Yoo Chun Soon, and me. My daughter wasn’t even part of Shincheonji at that time—she came just to observe. He told her, “There is no one I feel sorry for in this world except you,” and explained, “Your mom isn’t just your mom—she’s the mother of all people.” He said she must live with him for that reason. He said that to her, right there, in front of everyone.

My daughter didn’t understand the full meaning. She probably just thought it didn’t mean much. But he told me that once my daughter gets married, then we’ll get married too. It was all planned.

[Host] (39:09 – 39:22)
I’ve pulled up the visual file you sent me. Let me read what’s written: “God, I ask You, what is the order I must follow?”

[Kim Nam-hee] (39:22 – 48:32)

1. God’s work
2. My health
3. Daughter’s marriage, then divorce after 6–7 months
   Marriage in October

He made promises like that. But this man—Lee Man Hee, the cult leader—is someone whose words and actions are completely different. He never keeps his promises. Our God never changes even the smallest part of His Word. But how can someone who claims to be God lie and break promises like he’s just having a meal? That’s who he is.

So when did I start living with Lee Man Hee? We started living together in Gyeryong. One day he told me, “We need a house to live in—somewhere quiet, with clean air, where we can farm and plant fruit trees. You find it.” I knew someone whose brother had a house in Seorak, but it had a ₩500 million loan. It was a burden. At the time, I owned a three-story multi-family house in Munwon-dong, Gwacheon. I proposed exchanging it under the condition I take on the loan. We agreed and swapped properties. That’s how I started living in Seorak with Lee Man Hee.

But people who didn’t know the truth thought he bought the house with Shincheonji funds and lived there with me. That’s completely wrong. Lee Man Hee isn’t that kind of person. Secret photos were taken of us—him patting my butt, fishing, and so on. There are even photos of us eating together. That’s how we lived. Even after I left Shincheonji, they kept occupying my private property. I sent a legal notice asking them to vacate. They replied, asking if I would sell the property to them. I said no—even if I had to throw it away, I would never sell it to Shincheonji.

As I lived with Lee Man Hee in Seorak, naturally the Twelve Tribe leaders, church pastors, and senior members came to report to him. And I witnessed many troubling things. For example, Lee Man Hee always told believers he had no land, no money. He claimed he used the sky as his roof and the ground as his floor. I admired that. I thought, “Of course, he has no money—he only teaches the Word.” Since meeting him, I paid for everything.

But during festivals and events, people would bring money. He would call tribe leaders and scold them harshly, threatening to remove them. Then the next day, they’d bring money and everything would be fine—like nothing happened. I’ve seen and heard countless things like this. I know all the inner workings of Shincheonji and everything about Lee Man Hee.

So people might wonder: how could I stay even after knowing all this? I fought a lonely battle within. I always thought, “This can’t be from God.” But because Shincheonji claims to be the final stop of salvation, I thought leaving meant death. That belief—this addiction—was what kept me there. I didn’t know it was manipulation. I thought it meant I had strong faith.

When I saw injustices, I tried to speak up and confront them. I even told them, “If I were God, I wouldn’t help Shincheonji.” They say the 2,000–3,000-year history is about to be fulfilled, so members give everything. But those at the top just collect money. I know exactly where that money went. Some people only give, and some only receive. That’s fraud. That’s a cult.

Still, I was afraid to leave. Lee Man Hee constantly said, “If you leave me, you’ll go insane and die before you reach the hospital.” He sent me letters saying things like, “Fish can’t live in clear water,” mocking my efforts to stay pure.

He always told me, “Your money is mine and God’s.” He said, “In a marriage, nothing is mine or yours.” He gave me orders, wrote that in letters, always saying what to buy, what to do. One side collected money, and the other spent it. That’s how we lived.

There’s even audio of Lee Man Hee saying, “Who would reject someone like her—beautiful and rich?”

[Soundbite of Lee Man Hee tells the members about Kim Nam-hee]

[Lee Man Hee] (48:35 – 48:54)
Even if someone was watching, who would reject a person who is beautiful and wealthy? No one would. And another aspect is faith. In the world of faith, I refused faith. But really, who would say no to someone who is beautiful and rich?

[End]

[Kim Nam-hee] (48:54 – 49:57)
When we were living in Seorak, Lee Man Hee, the Chairman, was showing symptoms of delusional disorder. So he started going to private clinics and even got admitted for two months to the Yeongdong Severance Hospital with full payment made. But his condition didn’t improve, so he went to Chonnam National University Hospital in Gwangju for a major surgery. Nobody knew about this. It was only known after everything was done. I personally took care of everything – hospital bills, nursing – all of it, completely on my own. Even back then, I believed that was my duty. I took care of him wholeheartedly without a single complaint.

[Host] (49:57 – 50:02)
Did none of the other close aides or tribe leaders help with the nursing?

[Kim Nam-hee] (50:02 – 50:29)
No, they weren’t even informed. I made sure not to let anyone know that he was sick. I was listed as the guardian during surgery, even writing down “wife” in the guardian field. It was such a major surgery. Could you please show those two photos? One from the surgery at Yeongdong Severance, and the other from Chonnam Hospital after the operation.

[Host] (50:29 – 50:35)
Yes, both photos are on screen. He looks extremely skinny, like a stick.

[Kim Nam-hee] (50:35 – 51:36)
Yes, because of that major surgery. From that time on, I think Chairman Lee Man Hee started feeling the fear of death. After the surgery at Chonnam Hospital, he kept asking me to find a location for a museum. By chance, I found a piece of land in Cheongpyeong. It was within a price range I could manage, so I bought it for 2.3 billion won with a loan. Chairman Lee didn’t contribute even 1 won. He just told me to buy it. When it came to building the museum, he refused to let it be associated with Shincheonji or funded by any official channel. He told me to build it myself.

[Host] (51:36 – 51:41)
This is the part from the sworn statement you sent me, right?

[Kim Nam-hee] (51:41 – 54:18)
Yes, that’s correct. He refused to let Cheongpyeong Museum be registered under Shincheonji, insisting I build it alone. Now that I think about it, it was a museum built in preparation for death. He even talked about glass caskets and strong preservatives. He designed it, drew pictures, and expected me to take care of everything after his death. He knew he was going to die. Over the many years, he must’ve had countless conversations with me, testing my reaction. He used to say, “If I’m gone, you’ll be the best person to testify about me.” I once said, “If the One Who Overcomes dies, I’ll be the first to leave Shincheonji,” and he brushed it off like a joke. Now, everything makes sense. His real purpose in building Cheongpyeong wasn’t a museum—it was to preserve himself after death like Kim Il-sung or Moon Sun-myung of the Unification Church, so Shincheonji believers could come and see. After I left, the land was used by the Philip Tribe, so I sent a legal notice to vacate it. But they replied, “Why are you interfering with private property?” They even tried to buy it. I refused and asked them to move out. Now, the Philip Tribe has turned it into a complete garbage dump. It’s heartbreaking to see.

[Host] (54:18 – 54:20)
That’s unbelievably cowardly.

[Kim Nam-hee] (54:20 – 58:27)
They really did that. Shincheonji members have no idea. Near his parents’ burial site in Cheongdo, Chairman Lee picked the best spot and built a fake grave – a symbolic tomb. I always wondered what that was about. He used to say, “Grandma is going to die soon. Her whole body is failing.” I assumed it was for her. But now I see—it was for himself. He was preparing a burial place for himself. Then he told me to build the Cheongpyeong Museum, and while preparing the designs and investing money, he said he had a dream. In the dream, he saw a place with water and rocks, a beautiful place. He said we must build a palace-like home there to live together forever. So we went to the 7th floor of International Cheongshin Hospital in Cheongpyeong. He pointed out across the way, saying the land was beautiful and looked exactly like his dream. He asked me to go with him and look at it. The land was indeed lovely. Though it was tough, I bought it. After registering the land, he offered to pay for half. But here’s how Chairman Lee works—once he gives an order, I follow it without question. Whether I had money or not didn’t matter. He never listened to excuses. That’s how he operated—get me to invest completely, then offer a little and take over everything. That’s the pattern. If something cost 10 billion won, he’d chip in 1 billion and claim it for Shincheonji. He told me to buy the land for the museum, then said, “You build it yourself. I won’t give a single cent.” At first, I thought it was only for the museum. But he had other desires—to live in that house with me, so he used that excuse to get me to buy the land.

[Host] (58:30 – 58:42)
But since you were married to Chairman Lee at that time, didn’t you think to say no to all of this?

[Kim Nam-hee] (58:43 – 59:42)
Right? That would’ve been ideal. But I couldn’t even think of saying no. Back then, he was considered God. His word had to be obeyed no matter what. The husband is heaven, the wife is earth—and earth must always obey heaven. That’s the kind of manipulation he used, claiming divine authority. Let me show you one example—a document called the “Sincere Vow.”

[Host] (59:42 – 59:44)
Yes, I see it now on the screen.

[Kim Nam-hee] (59:44 – 59:48)
I’ve written so many of those over time. They were a form of coercion. He used God’s name and dreams to manipulate.

[Host] (59:48 – 59:48)
He sure talked about dreams a lot.

[Kim Nam-hee] (59:48)
But God doesn’t operate through dreams. Now that I think about it.

[Kim Nam-hee] (59:50 – 1:05:27)
At that time, they kept asking me for financial support without end. They told me to buy land for a museum, so I did. Then they told me to buy property in Goseong as well. So somehow, I scraped money together and bought it. The location had such a good environment, and once Lee Man Hee saw it, he got greedy and wanted to be a part of it too.

I wasn’t originally planning to build anything major. I figured I’d just take out a loan or sell something and build a small house. But from the beginning, our thoughts were different—he got greedy. After I bought the land, even though they had no plans to build the Cheongpyeong Museum, they made me buy three pieces of land.

Then, before building the museum, they told me to buy a house to live in first. So I was pushed to build it quickly, and from there, everything started to go wrong. It became a huge trial for me. Getting permits, doing the designs, construction—every step required enormous amounts of money.

They kept changing the designs over and over again, which wasn’t part of the original agreement. Even though there was no money, they kept changing things just by speaking—it made the work incredibly difficult. Meanwhile, I had to figure out how to come up with all the money. It was exhausting.

During the construction process, I went through near-death experiences multiple times. But as we kept building, the greed only grew—bigger, bigger! Before I knew it, it cost over 10 billion KRW in a short period—and I had to pay for all of it. Chairman Lee Man Hee didn’t pay a single won for the construction.

After I managed to finish everything, from building to registration to paying taxes—I was only given a small amount of money, which they called “construction cost.” Then they took half of it under the name of Shincheonji.

After the Goseong Training Center was built, because of how large the scale was, all kinds of misunderstandings and slanders started spreading behind my back. Rumors like “Shincheonji funds were funneled to Kim Nam Hee,” or “Kim Nam Hee is setting up to be the successor”—things I never imagined people would say.

Still, I stayed quiet. Then one day, CBS aired a news segment calling me “Shincheonji’s second-in-command successor” and saying that the group’s assets were being transferred to me. That was completely untrue—the opposite of what was really happening.

At that point, I realized I couldn’t stay silent anymore. I asked Chairman Lee Man Hee to reveal the truth. I was supposed to be, by his own words, the “partner sent by God,” his “wife,” yet I was being falsely accused. All I wanted was the truth to be made public. That’s not asking for anything wrong.

But all he said was, “God knows everything. Don’t worry, everything will be cleared up.” He tried to comfort me with vague and cowardly words.

He brushed it off with temporary responses, but I thought that was very strange. After everything was built, once everything was done, that’s when all these slanderous and malicious comments started pouring out.

Looking back now, I think this was part of a massive scheme. Someone orchestrated all this, fed information to the media, and aimed to destroy me.

You know the president of Cheonji Ilbo, Mr. X? I told him to report the truth to the media. I asked Chairman Lee to confirm it as well—he even promised to do so. That’s why I met with him to explain everything in detail. There’s an actual audio recording of that conversation.

[Soundbite of Cheonji Ilbo CEO & Kim Nam-hee on the phone]

[Cheonji Ilbo CEO] (1:05:27 – 1:05:35)
We keep bringing this up at the General Assembly, but because certain people are around him, the reports keep leaking out, don’t they?

[Kim Nam-hee] (1:05:35 – 1:05:40)
Right, it’s the lawyers. The lawyers are sharing it among themselves.

[Cheonji Ilbo CEO] (1:05:40 – 1:05:48)
They keep spreading false information like this, and that’s why I have no choice.

[Kim Nam-hee] (1:05:48 – 1:06:21)
Sir, I can’t just take this pain and injustice anymore. I’ve been holding it in, trying not to speak up, but it’s only getting worse. So now I have to act. You have to watch the video. This is clearly defamation against the Director. The Director needs to sue for this.

[End of Soundbite]

[Host] (1:06:21 – 1:06:29)
After hearing the audio, I could really feel how frustrated and heartbroken Representative Kim Nam Hee must have been.

[Kim Nam-hee] (1:06:29 – 1:06:55)
Yes, I was really overwhelmed and devastated. But since the truth was never revealed anywhere, I finally said it myself, publicly, at the HWPL event—I declared with my own mouth that I built everything with my own money. There’s a video of that too.

[Video]

The HWPL peace forum, a celebration of the declaration of the international law for the end of global war

– During Kim Nam-hee’s speech March 14, 2017 at the Grand InterContinental Hotel (Source: Kim Nam-hee)

[Speaker 6] (1:06:56 – 1:07:38)
During the process of building this peace center, it was something absolutely necessary, something that was given to us from heaven. But what I had left was nothing but blood. It was too big of an undertaking. Because of that, I ended up selling buildings and land that were precious to me and that I had worked on for a long time.

Even so, in doing the work of peace, I will not let any material possession hold me back. I am willing to sell everything if needed and give my whole heart and strength to completing this work of peace. I give it all to you.

[End of Video]

[Host] (1:07:39 – 1:07:44)
Ah, so that’s why the Representative said those words at that time.

[Kim Nam-hee] (1:07:44 – 1:09:21)
Why do you think I did that? It’s because Chairman Lee Man Hee kept his mouth shut until the end, so I had no choice. That’s why I revealed it in public. I spoke boldly and confidently about everything I did. If those things were lies, do you think Chairman Lee Man Hee would have stayed silent? No way. And suddenly, he said he needed 400 billion won and told me to bring 100 billion won.
100 billion won?!
Yes, and he didn’t say it casually—he told me to go and find 100 billion won. He pressured me so much. Did he expect me to go and collect money from Shincheonji believers? Honestly, if I had the ability, maybe I would’ve done it. I mean it. He knew my situation better than anyone. It’s not like he gave me money, or bought me clothes or shoes. He didn’t support me financially at all. Yet, he asked me to bring 100 billion won. There’s even a letter. Let me put it up on the screen.

[Host] (1:09:23 – 1:09:31)
What in the world? 100 billion won? That’s not even the name of a kid. This is beyond ridiculous!

[Kim Nam-hee] (1:09:31 – 1:10:14)
He kept pressuring and demanding that I bring money. Honestly, the fact that I’m still alive today is only by God’s grace. At that time, I lost all strength and will. He was telling me to come up with 100 billion won! So I left home. I really left. There were two reasons—first, because I never got justice for what happened. He didn’t build Gosung or Seolak with Shincheonji money and give me half the assets, did he?

[Kim Nam-hee0] (1:10:16 – 1:10:17)
Exactly.

[Kim Nam-hee] (1:10:17 – 1:10:59)
Right, same with Cheongpyeong and Seorak. So I left, and then he started calling me nonstop, begging me to come back. It was really shameful—he said every sweet word possible to get me back. I think there’s even a short audio recording. I can’t share much of it now, but when the time comes, I’ll let everyone hear it. For now, let me play that short clip.

[Lee Man-hee’s voice message to Kim Nam-hee]

[Lee Man Hee ] (1:11:12 – 1:11:39)
It’s all my fault. Please come back. Yes, come back, really. It’s all my fault, please come back. This isn’t right. I’ve done everything wrong. Please forgive me and come back. Okay?

[End]

[Host] (1:11:40 – 1:11:54)
Wait, someone who claims to be God is begging for forgiveness? What kind of sin did he commit? This is just ridiculous!

[Kim Nam-hee] (1:11:55 – 1:12:02)
Just begging for forgiveness? He even knelt down. Someone claiming to be God!

[Host] (1:12:02 – 1:12:04)
What did he do so wrong?

[Kim Nam-hee] (1:12:04 – 1:13:54)
He did so many wrong things. It was basically marriage fraud and religious fraud, wasn’t it? All these things… I was overwhelmed. I never imagined I’d feel this way, but I was emotionally and mentally drained. After building the High-Speed Training Center, I realized I never once felt at peace in Shincheonji. Never. Looking back, it’s clear. That 100 billion won incident, calling me his successor, saying all of Shincheonji’s money was transferred to me—it all piled up and left me deeply hurt. So I went somewhere no one knew—deep in the jungle of Guinea, Africa. I went without a name, without debt, wanting to finally live as salt and light, the way God wanted.
As Chairwoman, I had only done things for show. Everything was done through lies and deceit. Even official events—everything was staged. Even when dealing with international guests, we used the Chairwoman title falsely. Overseas too—it was all lies.

[Host] (1:13:55 – 1:13:56)
That’s right.

[Kim Nam-hee] (1:13:56 – 1:14:38)
So at the time I left, I truly wanted to do something for Shincheonji that would please God. That’s why I left for Africa. I went under the name of a pure volunteer group called “Nanumaketah.” There, I served women and children. But that organization doesn’t exist anymore.

[Host] (1:14:38 – 1:14:41)
So you’re saying that organization no longer exists?

[Kim Nam-hee] (1:14:41 – 1:19:08)
Yes, it’s gone now. While working there, I think God heard my groans—my pain and exhaustion. It was there I met Jesus. From that moment, I knew that Chairman Lee Man Hee was not the savior. He’s just a human like me. Just a man. This is clearly a cult.
While I was there, I witnessed how Chairman Lee Man Hee continued deceiving the believers with unspeakable lies and manipulative methods. He still threatens and tries to silence people, but I’m telling you—it’s not true.
I’m not fighting Shincheonji to gain anything. I’ve already lost everything. What I have left, I’m just trying to protect. I’m not trying to take back anything or gain wealth. Absolutely not. But do you know what Shincheonji is doing? They’ve hired the top law firms in Korea—ranked 1st and 2nd—to go after just one person: me.
Where does that money come from? From the believers. People who skip meals and survive on a roll of kimbap while going out to evangelize—they donate everything. And now that money is being used to take revenge on me, just like Chairman Lee Man Hee used to threaten me in the past. It’s happening again.
This is how Satan works—he uses you, exploits you, takes all your money, destroys your family. And when you leave, because you saw it was wrong and there’s no salvation there, he calls you a “betrayer.”
But calling someone a betrayer means he thinks he’s God. Who did I betray? Chairman Lee Man Hee is putting himself in the place of God, receiving the glory meant for God. That’s why when someone leaves him, he labels them a betrayer and says they’ve been expelled. But that’s not true.
I returned to Jesus.
This is like David fighting Goliath. When David stood before Goliath, he said, “I come to you in the name of the Lord Almighty,” and he struck Goliath with a stone. Goliath fell.
This is my David and Goliath fight. How could I ever win against those giant law firms? From a human point of view, I would lose 100%. But I don’t see it that way. I’m not fighting with human strength—I’m fighting in the name of Jesus. Let’s watch and see how this ends.

[Host] (1:19:08 – 1:19:17)
Yes, yes. Lastly, can you say a few words to the Shincheonji members?

[Kim Nam-hee] (1:19:19 – 1:19:37)
My heart is hurting so much right now. I feel like Jesus’ heart is being passed on to me. Beloved Shincheonji believers, aren’t you all tired and worn out?

[Kim Nam-hee] (1:19:39 – 1:20:44)
Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Jesus is waiting for you. Please return to Him. When I was exhausted and couldn’t carry my burdens anymore, I went into Jesus’ arms—and that’s when I found strength. I pray we will all meet again in the arms of Jesus. Thank you.

Interview with Former IWPG Chairwoman Kim Nam-hee

This overview summarizes the key themes, important ideas, and facts revealed in the interview with Kim Nam-hee, the former Chairwoman of the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) and a close associate of Lee Man Hee, the founder of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony. In this interview, hosted by the YouTube channel “Free of Shincheonji,” Kim Nam-hee provides a detailed personal account of her relationship with Lee Man Hee and her reasons for leaving Shincheonji, characterizing it as a “religious fraud group.” She aims to expose the “true nature” of Lee Man Hee and hopes her testimony will encourage other Shincheonji members to leave.

Main Themes and Important Ideas/Facts:

1. Lee Man Hee is Not the Savior:

Kim Nam-hee unequivocally states that her primary reason for the interview is to declare that
“Lee Man Hee is not the Savior. He is not God. He is just a sinner like me. That means he will surely die. And all of us—everyone—will be judged after death.”
▶️ (2:18 – 2:56)

She believes Shincheonji, which teaches that Lee Man Hee is the Savior, “must be removed from this world.”

2. Departure from Shincheonji:

Kim Nam-hee asserts she left Shincheonji of her own will, realizing
“there is absolutely no salvation in Shincheonji.”
▶️ (3:22 – 4:16)

She emphasizes her return to “the arms of Jesus Christ, who is the true Lord and Savior.”
She dismisses Shincheonji’s claim that Lee Man Hee expelled her, stating,
“That’s exactly the kind of thing Lee Man Hee would do. That’s how he’s been deceiving members all this time—with tricks like that.”
▶️ (3:22 – 4:16)

She reveals that even after supposedly expelling her, Lee Man Hee allegedly sent her letters saying,
“I still love you, please come back.”
▶️ (4:17 – 4:48)

3. Manipulative Relationship with Lee Man Hee:

Kim Nam-hee details how Lee Man Hee cultivated a close relationship with her, starting with a seemingly prophetic statement at their first meeting in 2002, where he claimed to have foreseen their partnership in a dream.
She recounts her significant financial contributions to Shincheonji’s expansion, particularly through the Apgujeong Evangelism Center, where she spent large sums of her own money. Lee Man Hee allegedly encouraged this, stating
“any wealth I had should be used for Shincheonji because it was given by God for that purpose.”
▶️ (8:52 – 11:10)

She describes how Lee Man Hee, claiming to be single and divinely destined to be with her, pursued a personal relationship, stating
“God had prepared a spiritual partner for him from heaven, and that partner was me. He said we had once been one, then separated, and now reunited by God. He said we had to get married and live together.”
▶️ (11:20 – 16:34)

Despite being married at the time, Kim Nam-hee says she was manipulated into believing this was God’s will. Lee Man Hee allegedly claimed,
“the world was so dangerous that God gave me a good man to protect me until the right time, and that now God brought me to Shincheonji to reunite with him.”
▶️ (17:18 – 18:23)

She presents evidence of their relationship, including love letters written on abalone shells where Lee Man Hee referred to their bond as “divinely arranged” and called her his “bride” and “first love.” One message reads:
“Even if you don’t believe me, I believe in you. God gave you to me, so I treasure and love you. You’re beautiful. You’re my first love—Lee Man Hee.”
▶️ (20:51 – 22:14)

4. Financial Exploitation:

She details her investment of over 10 billion KRW in building the Goseong Training Center and the Cheongpyeong Museum, claiming Lee Man Hee contributed nothing financially and later attempted to take ownership or control. Regarding the museum, she states,
“He refused to let Cheongpyeong Museum be registered under Shincheonji, insisting I build it alone.”
▶️ (51:41 – 54:18)

5. Deceptive Practices and Control:

Kim Nam-hee shares that Shincheonji continued to occupy her private properties even after she left, highlighting a disregard for her ownership.
She recounts being falsely labeled as Shincheonji’s “second-in-command successor” in the media, which she believes was part of a scheme to discredit her.

6. Seeking Truth and Justice:

Kim Nam-hee states that her motivation for speaking out is to reveal the truth about Lee Man Hee and Shincheonji, not for personal gain.
“I’m not fighting Shincheonji to gain anything. I’ve already lost everything.”
▶️ (1:14:41 – 1:19:08)

7. Return to Christianity:

She describes her time volunteering in Guinea, Africa, where she says she “met Jesus” and realized the truth about Lee Man Hee.

8. Current Situation and Call to Action:

She ends with a heartfelt message to current Shincheonji members, urging them to recognize their weariness and return to Jesus for true rest and salvation.
“Beloved Shincheonji believers, aren’t you all tired and worn out? Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Jesus is waiting for you. Please return to Him.”
▶️ (1:19:19 – 1:20:44)

Quotes of Significance:

• “Lee Man Hee is not the Savior. He is not God. He is just a sinner like me.”
  ▶️ (2:18 – 2:56)

• “I realized that there is absolutely no salvation in Shincheonji. That’s why I left of my own will… I escaped the trap of Satan and returned to the arms of Jesus Christ, who is the true Lord and Savior.”
  ▶️ (3:22 – 4:16)

• “Even if you don’t believe me, I believe in you. God gave you to me, so I treasure and love you. You’re beautiful. You’re my first love—Lee Man Hee.”
  ▶️ (20:51 – 22:14)

• “He refused to let Cheongpyeong Museum be registered under Shincheonji, insisting I build it alone.”
  ▶️ (51:41 – 54:18)

• “I’m not fighting Shincheonji to gain anything. I’ve already lost everything.”
  ▶️ (1:14:41 – 1:19:08)

• “Beloved Shincheonji believers, aren’t you all tired and worn out? Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Jesus is waiting for you. Please return to Him.”
  ▶️ (1:19:19 – 1:20:44)

Timeline of Main Events:

• 2002: Kim Nam-hee attends the Shincheonji graduation ceremony and gives a speech. She meets Lee Man Hee for the first time, during which he claims he foresaw her arrival in a dream and that they were destined to work together.
• 2003: Kim Nam-hee starts and personally funds the Apgujeong Evangelism Center, which becomes highly influential within Shincheonji. Lee Man Hee frequently visits and communicates with her, suggesting her wealth should be used for Shincheonji’s expansion.
• Sometime after 2003: Lee Man Hee tells Kim Nam-hee in Gyeryong that he is single and that God has prepared her as his spiritual partner, claiming they were once one and are now reunited. He proposes marriage.
• Around the same time: Despite Kim Nam-hee being married with children, Lee Man Hee asserts he is her true husband, the “rib” taken from him by God. He begins writing her daily love letters.
• Shincheon Era Year 28 (Date likely corresponds to the period after their claimed spiritual union): Lee Man Hee writes messages to Kim Nam-hee on abalone shells, declaring their relationship divinely arranged and referring to himself as her groom.
• Sometime after the “spiritual union”: A wedding ceremony is held in Gyeryong. Lee Man Hee designs the rings, and they exchange vows.
• Following the Gyeryong ceremony: They take traditional wedding photos in Hanbok at a traditional wedding venue.
• Later: Lee Man Hee tells Kim Nam-hee she must bear him a son, whom he names Lee Cheon Jong (“Heaven’s seed”). He also changes her name from Namyang Namja to Nongnamu, symbolizing driving out Satan.
• Philippines Trip (Date unspecified): Lee Man Hee writes a poem for Kim Nam-hee referencing Nongnamu and Hol, further solidifying his claims of their divinely ordained roles.
• Preparation for a Public Wedding: Lee Man Hee tells Kim Nam-hee they will one day marry before the “Shin Doodeul” (new spiritual leaders).
• Lee Man Hee’s Sermons (around 2006): Lee Man Hee preaches that those belonging to God must separate from those belonging to “Babylon” (implied to be non-Shincheonji partners), indicating Kim Nam-hee should divorce her husband.
• Sixth Peace Festival (Date unspecified, likely after the sermons): A performance depicting a wedding banquet is staged, which Kim Nam-hee reveals was meant to symbolize her wedding to Lee Man Hee.
• Divorce and Cohabitation: Following Lee Man Hee’s instructions and pressure, Kim Nam-hee divorces her husband. She begins living with Lee Man Hee in a house in Seorak, which she acquired through a property exchange.
• During Cohabitation in Seorak: Kim Nam-hee witnesses Lee Man Hee’s manipulative behavior, including demanding money from tribe leaders and falsely claiming to have no personal wealth.
• Lee Man Hee’s Health Issues (Date unspecified): Lee Man Hee shows symptoms of delusional disorder and receives medical treatment at private clinics, Yeongdong Severance Hospital, and later undergoes major surgery at Chonnam National University Hospital. Kim Nam-hee takes full responsibility for his care and expenses, keeping it secret from other Shincheonji members.
• Planning for a Museum in Cheongpyeong (After surgery): Lee Man Hee asks Kim Nam-hee to find land for a museum, envisioning it as a place to preserve himself after death. Kim Nam-hee purchases land in Cheongpyeong and starts planning the museum at her own expense.
• Discovery of a Fake Grave (Date unspecified): Kim Nam-hee discovers Lee Man Hee built a symbolic tomb for himself near his parents’ burial site in Cheongdo.
• Purchase of Land for a “Palace” (After the museum land): Lee Man Hee, inspired by a dream, asks Kim Nam-hee to buy land in Cheongpyeong to build a palace-like home for them to live in forever. She purchases the land.
• Construction of the Goseong Training Center (Date unspecified): Kim Nam-hee is pressured to build a large training center in Goseong, funding the entire multi-billion KRW project herself, despite Lee Man Hee contributing nothing.
• Spreading of Rumors and CBS Report (Around the time of the training center’s completion): False rumors spread that Shincheonji funds were being funneled to Kim Nam-hee, and CBS airs a report labeling her as Shincheonji’s “second-in-command successor.”
• HWPL Peace Forum (March 14, 2017): During a speech at an HWPL event, Kim Nam-hee publicly declares that she built the peace center (Goseong Training Center) with her own money.
• Demand for 100 Billion Won (After the HWPL event): Lee Man Hee demands that Kim Nam-hee bring him 100 billion won.
• Kim Nam-hee Leaves Home: Due to the injustice and the overwhelming demand, Kim Nam-hee leaves her home.
• Lee Man Hee Begs for Her Return: Lee Man Hee repeatedly calls and leaves voice messages for Kim Nam-hee, begging her to return and admitting fault.
• Departure for Africa (Date unspecified): Feeling emotionally drained and seeking to live according to God’s will, Kim Nam-hee leaves for Guinea, Africa, as part of a volunteer group called “Nanumaketah.”
• Experience in Africa and Realization: While serving in Africa, Kim Nam-hee has a personal encounter with Jesus and realizes that Lee Man Hee is not the savior and that Shincheonji is a cult.
• Legal Battles: After leaving Shincheonji, Kim Nam-hee faces legal action from top Korean law firms hired by Shincheonji. She sees this as her “David and Goliath” fight, relying on her faith in Jesus.
• Interview on JonJonTV (Present): Kim Nam-hee appears on the “Free of Shincheonji” YouTube channel to share her testimony and expose the true nature of Lee Man Hee.

Cast of Characters:

• Kim Nam-hee: The former Chairwoman of the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) and a former high-ranking member of Shincheonji. The interview focuses on her personal experiences within the organization and her relationship with Lee Man Hee. She claims to have been Lee Man Hee’s spiritual and later physical wife, financing numerous Shincheonji-related projects and eventually leaving the organization after realizing it was a cult and Lee Man Hee was not the savior.
• Lee Man Hee: The founder and leader of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony. Revered by his followers as the “Promised Pastor” and “the one who overcomes,” Kim Nam-hee reveals his manipulative behavior, false claims of divinity, and his personal relationship with her, including a secret wedding and demands for financial support.
• Host (JonJon): The host of the YouTube channel “Free of Shincheonji.” He conducts the interview with Kim Nam-hee, providing context and asking clarifying questions. He seems dedicated to helping people leave Shincheonji.
• Professor Tak Ji-il: A professor from Modern Religion. He was among those who reached out wanting to meet Kim Nam-hee, suggesting he has an academic interest in Shincheonji.
• Pastor Shin Hyun-woong: A pastor from Guri First Church. He also contacted the host expressing interest in meeting Kim Nam-hee, indicating his involvement in anti-Shincheonji activities or a desire to understand the group better.
• Pastor Park Hyang-mi: A pastor from the National Victims Coalition Against Shincheonji. Her interest in meeting Kim Nam-hee highlights her work with individuals and families affected by Shincheonji.
• Evangelist close to Lee Man Hee (unnamed): This individual visited Kim Nam-hee at her home in Apgujeong before she became deeply involved in Shincheonji, offering prayer and teachings, suggesting a deliberate recruitment strategy.
• Yoo Chun Soon: Mentioned in the context of a photo from the Apgujeong Culture Festival, along with Lee Man Hee and Kim Nam-hee. Her exact role isn’t specified in this excerpt, but her presence at a significant early Shincheonji event suggests she was likely a key figure in the organization.
• Mr. X (President of Cheonji Ilbo): The president of Cheonji Ilbo, a media outlet. Kim Nam-hee contacted him to report the truth about the rumors surrounding her and Shincheonji’s finances, indicating an attempt to use media to clear her name.
• Kim Nam-yi (Huin): Lee Man Hee’s mother, whose grave Kim Nam-hee was instructed to clean and where a headstone with “Huin” (meaning consort/future queen) was erected, symbolizing Lee Man Hee’s alleged royal lineage and Kim Nam-hee’s future status.
• Lee Cheon Jong: The name Lee Man Hee wanted Kim Nam-hee to give to their son, meaning “Heaven’s seed,” reflecting his self-proclaimed divine status.
• Old Lady (unnamed): Refers to Lee Man Hee’s previous partner whose marriage to him was registered, and they had separate divorce documents, which Lee Man Hee dismissed as meaningless.
• Kim Nam-hee’s Daughter: Lee Man Hee expressed feeling sorry for her due to his relationship with her mother and claimed Kim Nam-hee was not just her mother but the “mother of all people,” suggesting she should live with him.

This timeline and cast of characters provide a comprehensive overview of the key information presented in the provided interview excerpts.

Conclusion:

The interview with Kim Nam-hee provides a deeply personal and critical perspective on Lee Man Hee and Shincheonji. Her testimony alleges a pattern of manipulation, deception, and financial exploitation orchestrated by Lee Man Hee, ultimately leading to her disillusionment and departure. Her account offers significant insights into the inner workings and doctrines of Shincheonji from someone who held a high-ranking position and maintained a close personal relationship with its founder. Her hope is that her revelations will help others within the organization recognize what she now believes to be a “religious fraud” and find their way out.

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