On the 30th, Democratic Party of Korea leader Jeong Cheong-rae ordered the party's ethics inspection team and the Seoul chapter to conduct a fact-finding probe into People Power Party lawmaker Jin Jong-oh's allegation of a "Democratic Party Seoul chapter religious group believers' membership enrollment scandal."
The Democratic Party said in a press notice that day, "Leader Jeong instructed the ethics inspection team and the Seoul chapter to carry out a thorough investigation related to Rep. Jin Jong-oh's press conference and to impose disciplinary action if any illegalities are found."
It added, "In addition, to the city and provincial chapters, instructions were issued for stern measures in accordance with the August circular 'Guidelines for processing and submitting party membership applications' if any illegalities are found."
Earlier that day, Rep. Jin held a press conference at the National Assembly communication center and alleged that a Democratic Party-affiliated Seoul city council member obtained the personal information of more than 3,000 believers of a specific religious group and paid their party dues for six months on their behalf to interfere in an internal primary. He also released a recording between an employee of the chairperson's office of the Seoul Metropolitan Council Culture and Sports Committee and a whistleblower. Regarding the purpose of the 3,000-member party list, Rep. Jin claimed it was "for preparation for next year's June local election internal primaries."