Cheonhyo Foundation Responds, "It Is Not a Religion"
[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Controversy has arisen over claims that Lee Ji-young, a social studies instructor affiliated with Etoos, is proselytizing students. The Cheonhyo Foundation has clarified that "it is not a religion."
Recently, a post was uploaded on an online community alleging that Lee encourages students who follow her through the Cheonhyo Foundation to participate in foundation activities.
A netizen who claimed to have attended the seminar said, "I went to the seminar twice and felt uneasy," adding, "The first time, the talk was mainly about ghosts, and the second time, someone claimed to have diagnosed the size of a uterine cyst just by sensing energy (gi)."
Another netizen said, "When I went to the seminar, the instructor talked about faith and deified it, which surprised me," and added, "This foundation also organizes overseas volunteer work and has a scholarship system, so many students were tempted because it could help with their personal statements."
The Cheonhyo Foundation states that it was established "to spread the spirit of 'Cheonhyo' worldwide and to carry out its mission as a medical foundation, scholarship foundation, academic foundation, educational foundation, and religious foundation aiming globally so that humanity can truly show filial piety before heaven."
The main projects of the Cheonhyo Foundation include overseas pioneering global mission leadership development conferences, domestic and international youth spiritual leadership development seminars and retreats, and pioneering and growth ministry and research of Cheonhyo Christian spirit both domestically and abroad.
Reviews circulating online appear to refer to the content of the 'Future of Humanity' seminar conducted at the 'Cheonhyo Gi Center' since last year. Lee has been holding the 'Cheonhyo Seminar' once a month since August 18 of last year. It is reported that the seminar also recommends gi circulation therapy, which is said to replenish energy flow.
Regarding this, the Cheonhyo Foundation explained to a media outlet on the 3rd, "We are a foundation corporation, and as stated on our website, we are not a religion."
Previously, on the 2nd, comments demanding explanations from Lee continued on her official YouTube channel and other platforms.
In response, Lee said, "The stories shared in the seminar will be sequentially shared on YouTube," and added, "South Korea is a country where freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and debate are guaranteed."
She continued, "Attempts to discuss and explore new ideas, new thoughts, and new philosophies bring about social change."
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