Kim Min-seok, Jung Chong-rae Intensify Prosecutor Reform Battle with 'Shincheonji, Divisive' Dispute

Democratic Party leadership candidates Kim Min-seok and Jung Chong-rai intensified their attacks against each other on the 22nd, the second day of the preliminary vote, centering their offensives on divisiveness and prosecutorial reform respectively. Allegations regarding Rep. Jung's connection to Shincheonji serve as the basis for Kim's offensive. Suspicions were raised citing the failure of the independent counsel into the Unification Church and Shincheonji during Jung's tenure as party leader, with analysts suggesting Kim has indirectly turned this into a focal point. On Facebook, Candidate Kim stated, 'We will overcome both the anti-Moon divisive faction and Shincheonji, as well as their collaboration,' adding, 'We will protect the President, the party, the government, and state affairs, and desperately save everyone from Honam to Yeongnam.'

Jung's camp immediately retaliated, with pro-Jung lawmakers holding a press conference at the National Assembly to condemn him, demanding he 'apologize and resign.' Supreme Council members Moon Jung-bok and Park Kyu-hwan, along with former Secretary-General Jo Seung-rae, also expressed their positions criticizing Kim's remarks.

The Yeongdeungpo Police Station in Seoul apprehended a man in his 50s, Mr. A, on the afternoon of the 20th on charges of striking Rep. Jung's vehicle with his feet and tools. Rep. Jung mentioned the vehicle attack, sharing an article regarding suspicions of an 'assassination squad recruitment' on social media, stating it was 'miserable and pitiful.' Regarding the news of the damage to Rep. Jung's vehicle, Candidate Kim expressed 'great regret' while calling for a thorough investigation into the truth and the eradication of 'irregularities such as Shincheonji interference.' The police plan to confirm the details through a summons investigation without executing an arrest warrant and are reviewing charges including property damage.