Song Young-gil, a member of the Democratic Party who challenged for the party leadership during the August 17 convention, urged on November 9 that the allegations regarding Shincheonji members joining the party should not end in a blame game among specific factions. He called for an immediate comprehensive investigation and amendments to party laws and regulations to prevent illegal political interference.
After reviewing the findings of the party's task force investigating the Shincheonji allegations at the National Assembly, Song stated, "The task force's investigation confirmed signs of organized group membership by Shincheonji. This issue should not simply be reduced to a blame game among specific factions."
He particularly warned, "The process of revealing the truth should not lead to further conflicts," emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation to avoid factional disputes triggered by the Shincheonji allegations.
Song added, "I urge immediate comprehensive investigations and strict measures. If it is confirmed that there was organized mobilization, actions should be taken in accordance with party laws and regulations. However, members who joined under coercion should be given ample opportunity to explain themselves, and whistleblowers who cooperate in uncovering the truth should be protected."
Furthermore, Song expressed the need to amend both party laws and the Democratic Party's constitution and regulations to realize proper party democracy.
He stated, "Both ruling and opposition parties should discuss amendments to relevant laws, starting with the Democratic Party, which should establish a clause in its constitution to protect the party's autonomy and democratic decision-making." He emphasized the need to prohibit undue direction and control from external organizations, as well as coercion and threats, and the control of membership and party rights through monetary incentives.
In response to claims by pro-Chungcheong faction lawmakers that the number of Shincheonji members who joined the party is not significant, Song countered, "It has been confirmed that they infiltrated the Democratic Party in an organized manner."
He remarked, "The assertion that organized intervention in public opinion polls does not yield significant effects is a naive judgment, considering there are around 300,000 Shincheonji followers. We must unite to combat organizations that undermine party democracy by mobilizing organized groups in public opinion polls."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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