Jung Cheong-rae Urges Severe Punishment for Those Spreading Shincheonji Meddling Rumors

Ahead of the party's national convention on August 17, Democratic Party presidential candidate Jung Cheong-rae has called for severe disciplinary action against those who spread allegations of Shincheonji meddling. In an interview, during a meeting with party members in Daejeon, and via Facebook on the 26th, Jung argued that raising such suspicions was an act meant to drive the party into crisis, firmly denying any connection to Shincheonji. He demanded strong punishment and a thorough rooting out of those responsible, while also urging his supporters to rally together.

The Shincheonji controversy erupted on the 21st when candidate Kim Min-suk suggested the possibility of the religious group interfering in the Democratic Party's national convention. Kim's camp has maintained the stance that they never singled out any specific candidate. Aware of the difficulty in proving any direct link to Jung, Kim's camp has opted not to escalate its rhetoric regarding Shincheonji.

Jung’s demand for heavy penalties coupled with Kim’s calculated approach to the offensive has created a dynamic where the Shincheonji controversy is now impacting the trajectory of the primary race.