Ruling Party Urges Opposition to Propose Special Prosecutor Over Shincheonji Allegations

South Korea's ruling People Power Party (PPP) has intensified its pressure on the main opposition Democratic Party (DP), demanding the immediate introduction of a special prosecutor bill to investigate alleged links between the DP and the Shincheonji religious group. The call comes after reports surfaced that a joint investigation team by the prosecution and police is looking into allegations of collective membership recruitment and collusion involving Shincheonji members within the DP.

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The prosecution and police joint investigation team has captured evidence of collective entry into the Democratic Party by Shincheonji members and collusion, and is investigating.

Choi Soo-jin, the PPP's deputy floor leader, criticized the DP's response to the allegations. She stated that while the prosecution and police are investigating the Shincheonji connection, the DP is reportedly focused on internal factional disputes rather than addressing the core issue. Choi drew a parallel to the search of the PPP's headquarters earlier this year concerning similar 'Shincheonji member recruitment' allegations, accusing the DP of hypocrisy and a "what's mine is mine, what's yours is negotiable" (naeronambul) attitude.

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While the joint investigation team searched the People Power Party's headquarters... when it comes to their own issues, they are busy covering it up with factional negative campaigning rather than uncovering the truth. This is a typical case of 'naeronambul'.

"The Lee Jae-myung administration and the Democratic Party have been addicted to special prosecutors, calling them the best solution whenever they have the chance," Choi asserted. She argued that the same standard applied to the PPP should be equally applied to the DP. The PPP insists that the ruling party should initiate a special prosecutor bill and accept a prosecutor nominated by the opposition to ensure a fair investigation.

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The Lee Jae-myung administration and the Democratic Party have been addicted to special prosecutors, calling them the best solution whenever they have the chance.

Choi further contended that entrusting the investigation to the joint investigation team, which could be influenced by the current administration, is akin to "giving a fish to a cat to guard it." She urged the DP to cease internal bickering and respond to the public with an unreserved investigation into the truth, facilitated by a special prosecutor appointed by the opposition.

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Entrusting the investigation to the joint investigation team under the influence of the administration is no different from 'giving a fish to a cat to guard it'.