The leader of a Christian sect has apologized for the role his followers played in spreading the coronavirus in South Korea.



Lee Man-hee, the normally reclusive head of the Shincheonji church, bowed low twice at a hastily arranged news conference.

“We did our best but weren’t able to contain it fully,” the 88-year-old, wearing a white face mask, told assembled journalists.



“We immediately cooperated, but there’s really nothing I can say,” Lee said. Public health officials say the church has hindered efforts to contain the spread of the virus.