Li Hongzhi

Li Hongzhi, born on May 13, 1951, is a prominent Chinese religious leader and the founder of Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa. He initiated his public teachings of this spiritual practice in Changchun in 1992, where he began to share his philosophy and exercises with the public. His teachings quickly gained traction, leading him to lecture and instruct practitioners across China.

In 1995, Li expanded his reach by teaching Falun Gong internationally, ultimately settling in the United States as a permanent resident in 1998. During the 1990s, his movement experienced significant popularity, particularly within government and qigong circles. However, this success was met with severe backlash when the Chinese government suppressed Falun Gong in 1999, labeling it a doomsday cult.

Li is also linked to the performance arts group Shen Yun, as well as media organizations such as The Epoch Times and New Tang Dynasty Television, which serve as platforms to promote Falun Gong's beliefs and various conspiracy theories. He has expressed controversial views, including the belief that extraterrestrial beings from other dimensions inhabit the Earth and influence human affairs, contributing to technology, conflict, and moral decline.

Li positions himself as a savior figure, claiming to have come to assist humanity in avoiding potential destruction due to pervasive evil. When questioned about his humanity, he enigmatically stated, 'You can think of me as a human being.'