[2025 Audit] Red Cross Faces Controversy Over Shincheonji Commendations...DP: "Aided in Image Laundering"

52 Commendations Awarded to Shincheonji... Official Statement for Lee Manhee Was Ghostwritten
When Asked About Martial Law, President Kim Cheolsoo Says "I Cannot Answer"
Additional Promotion Points for Blood Donations... Jeon Jinsook: "Violation of the Blood Management Act"

On October 22, during a parliamentary audit, it was revealed that the Korean Red Cross had awarded a total of 52 commendation certificates to Shincheonji, a religious group criticized for contributing to the spread of COVID-19, during the Yoon Suk-yeol administration. There were also allegations that the Red Cross acted as a broker connecting the government and Shincheonji by drafting official commendation statements on their behalf. In addition, issues such as internal misconduct and granting additional points for blood donations during promotion reviews were also raised.

Seo Mihwa, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party, criticized the Korean Red Cross during the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee’s audit of the Korea Health Industry Development Institute and other agencies, stating, "The Red Cross awarded a blood donation merit commendation to Lee Manhee, the leader of Shincheonji," and asked, "Do you think it is acceptable to give commendations to criminals or criminal organizations simply because they donate a lot of blood?"

There were further criticisms that Shincheonji has been using its connections with government officials and public institutions to whitewash its image, and that the Red Cross had been mobilized for this purpose. Assemblywoman Seo questioned whether there was a connection between Shincheonji and the public institution, the Red Cross. In response, Kim Cheolsoo, President of the Korean Red Cross, denied the allegations, stating that he is a Christian.

Assemblywoman Seo further pointed out, "Since the inauguration of former President Yoon, there have been 52 cases where the Red Cross awarded commendations to Shincheonji," and asserted, "It is clear that the Red Cross has helped Shincheonji launder its image."

She also criticized the fact that a Red Cross employee drafted the official commendation statement for Lee, the Shincheonji leader. Seo stated, "The commendation statement for Lee was written by a Red Cross employee. Such statements should be written by the recipient themselves," and emphasized, "The fact that so many awards were given and the statements were written on their behalf raises questions about the relationship between Shincheonji and the president of the Red Cross."

There was also debate over whether the 12·3 Martial Law Incident constituted an insurrection. Assemblywoman Baek Hyeryeon of the Democratic Party asked President Kim for his opinion on former President Yoon Suk-yeol’s martial law. Kim responded, "Not only the Korean Red Cross but also the International Red Cross maintains neutrality regarding ideology, so it is not appropriate for me to comment on that."

When Kim did not respond to repeated questions, Assemblywoman Baek raised her voice, saying, "You are unable to answer because you agree. The very act of turning this into an ideological issue shows your agreement." She continued, "(President Kim) donated 5 million won to Kim Ki-hyun's campaign for the People Power Party leadership and contributed a total of 70 million won in political funds over 13 years since 2012. He clearly has a political inclination," and added, "I believe the Red Cross presidency was also secured through Yoon Suk-yeol’s influence."

Yonhap News Agency

In addition to the controversies over awarding commendations to Shincheonji and President Kim’s political orientation, the Red Cross has also faced criticism for human rights violations and internal misconduct. Assemblywoman Jeon Jinsook of the Democratic Party stated, "The Red Cross grants rewards and even additional points in promotion reviews based on the number of blood donations, which constitutes a violation of the Blood Management Act."

The Blood Management Act stipulates that anyone receiving financial or material benefits in exchange for blood donations can be punished by up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million won.

When asked how he viewed employees’ blood donations, President Kim replied, "I monitor and encourage them." Assemblywoman Jeon responded, "It is shocking to hear you say you encourage it. President Kim is committing an offense punishable by up to five years in prison." She further rebuked, "Have you ever considered the employees who must exchange their own blood for promotions or vacation days? This is an abuse of power," and added, "I believe this should be reported in the name of the Democratic Party." President Kim explained, "I had not thought deeply about it."

In addition, issues such as embezzlement and workplace harassment, which have been previously pointed out during parliamentary audits, continue to persist. According to materials submitted to the Health and Welfare Committee by Assemblyman So Byunghoon of the Democratic Party, cases have been reported including embezzlement by a local Red Cross volunteer leader, misappropriation of funeral portrait fees and false mortuary service charges, exposure of a workplace harassment victim’s medical certificate on the internal network at the Busan Blood Center, reinstatement of a perpetrator of workplace harassment at the Eastern Blood Center, and promotion of an employee involved in sexual misconduct.

Records of legal consultations (2022-2025, total of 106 cases) also revealed ongoing human rights issues, including sexual harassment, workplace bullying, and personnel measures for perpetrators and related individuals. Assemblyman So criticized, "The recurrence of human rights violations and misconduct in an organization operated with the public’s blood donations and membership fees is evidence that the internal monitoring system is not functioning properly."