Shincheonji's mass membership in Democratic Party also uncovered by political-religious ties probe

South Korean investigators are expanding their probe into alleged collusion between religious groups and politicians, now focusing on Shincheonji's organized recruitment within the Democratic Party. The joint investigation team has reportedly found evidence that Shincheonji members systematically joined the main opposition party.

Authorities are scrutinizing the group's motives for encouraging mass membership in the Democratic Party, suspecting it was an effort to leverage political influence for resolving local community issues. Investigators have recently questioned individuals involved in this alleged party recruitment drive.

This development broadens the investigation beyond Shincheonji's alleged mass membership in the conservative People Power Party. Earlier this month, the group's leader, Lee Man-hee, and others were indicted on charges of violating election law and obstructing business, accused of forcing followers to join the People Power Party. The discovery of similar patterns within the Democratic Party signals a new phase in the investigation, potentially revealing wider political entanglements.

Shincheonji has previously faced scrutiny for attempting to purchase properties and use them as religious facilities nationwide, including in areas like Gwacheon, Goyang, and Incheon. These attempts were reportedly met with resistance from local residents and failed to secure necessary approvals for land-use changes. The investigation now aims to understand the extent of the group's political maneuvering across different parties.