DAEGU, South Korea—Much of the blame for the rapid spread of coronavirus in South Korea has been directed at an 88-year-old church leader with a fondness for Hermès ties and lawsuits.

Lee Man-hee, founder of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, faces several lawsuits and widespread public scorn, as the group fends off accusations it is hiding information that could help contain the epidemic. The group is connected to three-fifths of the country’s 6,593 confirmed cases.

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