1. Introduction to the text
This reading lesson explores the unique educational experience of Lee Man-hee, the leader of the Shincheonji religious group in South Korea. The article delves into the exceptional treatment he received during his court-ordered training sessions, which involved private accommodations and security personnel.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning | Contextual Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 침대 | chimdae | bed | He had a bed set up in a separate space and received his training while lying down. |
| 누워서 | nuwŏsŏ | while lying down | He had a bed set up in a separate space and received his training while lying down. |
| 경호 인력 | kyŏngho innyŏk | security personnel | Security personnel were even stationed on each floor of the training facility. |
| 준법교육 | junbŏb kyoyuk | legal compliance training | Lee Man-hee received this legal compliance training, which was a requirement after his conviction. |
| 신천지 | Sinch’ŏnji | Shincheonji (religious group) | Lee Man-hee is the leader of the Shincheonji religious group. |
| 총회장 | ch’onghoejangjang | president (of an organization) | Lee Man-hee is the president of the Shincheonji religious group. |
| 실정법 | silchŏngbŏp | positive law | The court noted that Lee Man-hee had a serious disregard for positive law. |
| 집행유예 | chiphaeng yuyŏ | suspended sentence | Lee Man-hee was sentenced to 3 years in prison with a 5-year suspended sentence. |
| 준법지원센터 | junbŏb chiwŏn sent’ŏ | legal support center | The training was conducted by staff from the legal support center, not professional instructors. |
| 특실 | t’ŭksil | VIP room | He was placed in a special, VIP-like room for the training, separate from the group sessions. |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
이만희 신천지 총회장은 법원에서 실정법 경시 태도가 심각하다며 준법교육이 필요하다고 판단했습니다. 그런데 그는 다른 사람들과 함께 집체 교육을 받지 않고, 혼자만 특별한 대우를 받았습니다.
The court determined that Shincheonji leader Lee Man-hee had a serious disregard for positive law, and that he required legal compliance training. However, he did not receive the group training along with others, but was given special treatment and accommodations.
그는 교육 시설 내에 별도의 공간을 마련해 침대까지 설치했습니다. 그리고 그 공간에서 혼자 교육을 받았습니다. 교육 시설 건물 층마다 경호 인력까지 배치했습니다.
He had a separate space set up within the training facility, complete with a bed, where he received the training alone. Security personnel were even stationed on each floor of the training building.
교육은 전문 강사가 아닌 준법지원센터 직원이 진행했습니다. 이런 식으로 교육받은 건 이씨가 유일한 사례였습니다.
The training was conducted not by professional instructors, but by staff from the legal support center. This exceptional treatment was unique to Lee Man-hee.
법원은 이씨의 실정법 경시 태도가 심각하다고 판단했지만, 그에게는 특별한 대우를 해줬습니다. 다른 사람들과 달리 그는 침대에 누워서 편하게 교육을 받을 수 있었습니다.
The court deemed Lee’s disregard for positive law to be serious, yet he was given special accommodations. Unlike others, he was able to receive the training comfortably while lying on a bed.
이씨는 2021년 11월 징역 3년에 집행유예 5년을 선고받았습니다. 법원은 이씨에게 준법교육이 필요하다고 판단했지만, 그에게는 다른 사람들과는 다른 특별한 대우를 해줬습니다.
In November 2021, Lee was sentenced to 3 years in prison with a 5-year suspended sentence. While the court determined that he required legal compliance training, he was given exceptional treatment compared to others.
4. Reading comprehension questions
- What was the court’s rationale for requiring Lee Man-hee to undergo legal compliance training?
- How was Lee Man-hee’s training experience different from that of other participants?
- Who conducted the training sessions for Lee Man-hee?
- What kind of special accommodations did Lee Man-hee receive during the training?
- What was the outcome of Lee Man-hee’s legal case?
5. Cultural and historical notes
The Shincheonji religious group, led by Lee Man-hee, has been a controversial and influential organization in South Korea. The group has faced legal challenges and scrutiny over its practices and teachings. The exceptional treatment Lee received during his court-ordered training highlights the complex relationship between religious leaders, the legal system, and the broader societal dynamics in South Korea.