Internal tensions within the Democratic Party are escalating over allegations regarding Shincheonji membership, following a directive from party leader Kim Min-seok for an investigation into the matter.
During a Supreme Council meeting held on the morning of October 23, discussions regarding the Shincheonji allegations intensified.
Lee Seong-yoon, a prominent member of the pro-Chungcheong faction, stated in his opening remarks, "A recent media poll indicated that 80.5% of respondents believe the results of the Shincheonji investigation should be fully disclosed. When combined with those who support at least partial disclosure, the approval rate rises to 90.9%. Among our party's supporters, 77.3% are calling for transparency. It is time to reveal the Shincheonji allegations that have divided our party to the public and our members."
He emphasized, "If the allegations are true, we must hold those involved accountable. If there is no basis for the claims, our party must also face serious consequences."
In response, Park Seon-won, a member of the pro-Kim Min-seok faction and head of the party's member management task force, expressed discomfort but stated, "As the Supreme Council member said, I will disclose the information."
After Lee's remarks, Park continued discussing the Shincheonji allegations, prompting Han Min-soo, another Supreme Council member from the pro-Chungcheong faction, to interject, "Please focus as I am speaking."
As the pro-Chungcheong faction's comments continued, Park announced that he would release the list of party members to clarify the Shincheonji allegations.
After the Supreme Council meeting, Park approached Kim Min-seok, declaring, "I will hold a press conference. I will disclose the member list, as everyone is demanding transparency, and as the task force leader, I will take responsibility for this."
Following this, the Democratic Party reportedly held a closed-door Supreme Council meeting to further discuss the Shincheonji allegations.
However, Park later clarified that he would not be releasing the member list as previously stated. After the closed meeting, he told reporters, "I have nothing more to say today," but added, "I am the one who has the results regarding the Shincheonji allegations."
Park Seong-jun, the party's chief spokesperson, also indicated that there are no immediate plans to disclose the member list related to the Shincheonji allegations.
He explained, "We concluded that we should discuss the disclosure further. Although Lee called for transparency, the decision was made not to disclose it for political reasons."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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