How secretive ‘cult-like’ Shincheonji Church of Jesus from South Korea recruits vulnerable students at unis and drags them away from family and friends [Video]

21:36 EDT 16 Aug 2024, updated 06:12 EDT 17 Aug 2024

A secretive international church group that has been likened to a ‘brainwashing’ cult is stepping up its recruitment drive among Australian university students.

The Shincheonji Church of Jesus (SCJ), which started in South Korea 40 years ago, has been accused of taking vulnerable young people away from family and friends.

SCJ’s tactics have been exposed by former members, who said that as well as targeting university districts, it also seeks young converts in shopping malls, train stations, and on social media and dating apps.

The group, which was founded by Lee Man-Hee, now aged 92, claims to be true believers of Christianity, but is facing allegations of brainwashing vulnerable Australian children. 

The explosive claims were aired by locals at a heated Town of Cambridge council briefing last month in suburban Perth. 

Jim Spencer, who lives in Roleystone, said his daughter is among dozens who are spending an excessive …