The Democratic Party of Korea is experiencing a resurgence of internal conflict as allegations regarding Shincheonji membership reemerge, following a previous flare-up during the August 17 party convention. This controversy comes at a time when the party's approval ratings are steadily declining, suggesting a challenging road ahead.
According to political sources, lawmakers aligned with former leader Jung Cheong-rae expressed sharp reactions on October 14 regarding the Shincheonji allegations.
Jung stated, "If there is a secret alliance, we must thoroughly investigate and hold accountable those responsible for dividing the party." He called for full transparency regarding the allegations.
Supreme Council member Choi Min-hee took to Facebook to criticize Park Sun-won, another Supreme Council member associated with the Kim Min-seok faction, for leaking information from a closed meeting. Choi insisted, "We must identify the leaker and hold them accountable. The existence of a secret alliance involving anti-Lee Jae-myung, Shincheonji, and divisive factions must be uncovered."
Fellow Supreme Council members Lee Sung-yoon and Han Min-soo also addressed the Shincheonji allegations during the public meeting, urging for a swift release of investigation details and accountability for any leaks. Lee emphasized the need to clarify whether there was an organized directive for membership akin to that of the People Power Party.
Han echoed this sentiment, stating, "The leadership promised to clarify the facts during the party convention. If they cannot adequately address the underlying issues, they should apologize. If the claims of a secret alliance are false, accountability is necessary."
However, party leader Kim Min-seok acknowledged the confirmation of organized Shincheonji membership but refrained from detailing any follow-up actions, indicating that these would be addressed after the National Assembly's audit. This cautious approach appears aimed at minimizing controversy amid the party's declining approval ratings.
During a session on the Democratic Party's YouTube channel, Kim confirmed the existence of collective Shincheonji membership but did not disclose whether this information would be made public.
Spokesperson Jo Gye-won, speaking to reporters after the Supreme Council meeting, stated, "We will conduct a thorough verification and implement clear follow-up measures. Actions will be taken according to party rules after the audit concludes."
The Shincheonji allegations have sparked interpretations that Kim's earlier remarks about dismantling a "secret alliance of anti-Lee, divisive factions, and Shincheonji" were aimed at Jung. In response, Jung's faction has demanded that Kim provide clear evidence, indicating that factional tensions within the Democratic Party are likely to persist beyond the convention.
Additionally, experts have expressed skepticism about the party's ability to rebound from its declining approval ratings amid the renewed Shincheonji allegations.
Political analyst Choi Yo-han remarked in a phone interview with Aju Economy, "The situation continues to worsen for public opinion. If the Democratic Party does not take action, its approval ratings are likely to keep declining."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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