Candidate Kim Min-seok: 'Shincheonji intervened in the convention... evidence to be released soon'

Democratic Party leadership candidate Kim Min-seok stated on the 21st that the Shincheonji religious sect had intervened in the party’s national convention and announced that he would release concrete evidence soon. Candidate Kim has recently raised suspicions of Shincheonji’s election interference repeatedly during policy announcements, on social media, and at rallies. Following his announcement on the 12th that he would investigate Shincheonji’s election interference, he claimed via social media on the 19th that the essence of this convention is a showdown with Shincheonji. At the preliminary primary joint rally on the 20th, he also stated that the secret tripartite alliance of anti-Pro-Moon faction, divisiveness, and Shincheonji must be broken. Furthermore, referencing the fact that his attempt in January to include Shincheonji, as well as the Unification Church, in the special counsel probe into state-religious collusion fell through, he is demanding a thorough investigation into the truth.

Former party leader Jung Cheong-rae is countering these claims, calling them 'completely unrelated fake news,' and has stated he will take legal action. Jung’s side has reported a YouTuber who raised claims linking him to Shincheonji.

Candidate Kim also announced via Facebook on this day that he would purge the issues of dual party membership and ghost members. Pro-Moon faction candidates, including Rep. Song Young-gil, are also increasing their offensive against former leader Jung. This party leadership race is evolving beyond a simple competition for power into a structural battle against specific factions within the party.