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Shincheonji 'involvement theory' sparks controversy in Democratic Party leadership race

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A controversy over "Shincheonji involvement" has erupted within the Democratic Party's leadership race, extending to a debate about a failed special prosecutor bill earlier this year.
  • Candidate Kim Min-seok is reportedly targeting former leader Jung Chung-rae, while another candidate, Lee Geon-tae, has opened a "Shincheonji Democratic Party Convention Involvement Tip Center."
  • The dispute centers on the collapse of a special prosecutor bill targeting the Unification Church and Shincheonji, with differing accounts of why it failed and accusations of political maneuvering.

A heated debate over alleged "Shincheonji involvement" has intensified within the Democratic Party's leadership race, spilling over into a contentious discussion about the failure of a special prosecutor bill earlier this year. The controversy pits leadership candidate Kim Min-seok against former leader Jung Chung-rae, with accusations and counter-accusations flying.

I only pointed out the problem of Shincheonji's political involvement, and I do not need to take responsibility for linking it to specific candidates.

โ€” Kim Min-seokClarifying his position on the controversy.

Kim Min-seok has reportedly focused his criticism on Jung Chung-rae, while Lee Geon-tae, a candidate for supreme council member, has established a "Shincheonji Democratic Party Convention Involvement Tip Center" to gather information. Lee also questioned the reasons behind the collapse of the special prosecutor bill that aimed to investigate alleged ties to the Unification Church and Shincheonji.

The special prosecutor bill's failure in January, during Jung Chung-rae's tenure as party leader, has become a focal point. The bill was proposed after allegations surfaced regarding the Unification Church's involvement with then-candidate Jeon Jae-soo. The Democratic Party countered by demanding a special prosecutor for Shincheonji-related suspicions surrounding the People Power Party's presidential primary, leading to the collapse of both proposals.

You must provide evidence based on the 6W1H principle when raising suspicions of Shincheonji's involvement. If you cannot provide evidence, you must consider your own position.

โ€” Jung Chung-raeDemanding evidence from Kim Min-seok.

Kim Min-seok clarified his stance, stating he only pointed out the problem of Shincheonji's political involvement and is not responsible for linking it to specific candidates. However, Jung Chung-rae strongly refuted this, demanding that Kim provide evidence based on the "6W1H" principle and suggesting Kim should consider his own position if he cannot. Jung also criticized Kim and Song Young-gil, another candidate, for their focus on expanding the party's reach, implying it could lead to difficulties in future elections if certain factions become dominant.

If the 'New Lee Jae-myung' is supposed to be an alpha plus for the party, but the main axis collapses and such people become the mainstream of the party, I think there will be many difficulties in future elections.

โ€” Jung Chung-raeCriticizing candidates focused on expanding the party's base.

Adding to the complexity, five-term lawmaker Park Jie-won admitted in a radio interview that he regretted not pursuing the special prosecutor bill, despite following leadership instructions at the time. A second-term lawmaker, who preferred to remain anonymous, criticized the candidates for forgetting their position as potential leaders of the ruling party and lacking a sense of responsibility.

I believe it was wrong not to pursue the special prosecutor bill.

โ€” Park Jie-wonExpressing regret over the failed special prosecutor bill.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.