The Democratic Party of Korea finished its Aug. 17 convention primary and entered the "main race." The biggest issue at the convention was the "Shincheonji convention meddling allegation." As the joint prosecution-police task force investigating collusion between religion and politics was said to be probing indications that Shincheonji believers joined the Democratic Party, the sparring among candidates for party leader is expected to intensify.
The Democratic Party leadership argued over the "Shincheonji convention meddling allegation" at the supreme council meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 24th, the day after the primary ended. The pro-Myung (pro-Lee Jae-myung) faction claimed organized convention interference by Shincheonji believers, while the pro-Cheong (pro-Jeong Cheong-rae) faction said it was groundless.
Kang Deuk-gu, a pro-Myung supreme council member, said, "Concerns are growing inside and outside the party over the controversy surrounding the possibility of intervention in the convention by a specific religious force," and added, "The party must verify the suspicions raised and explain the results transparently to party members."
By contrast, Moon Jeong-bok, a pro-Cheong supreme council member, countered, "Please remove the yoke of Shincheonji from our precious Democratic Party members," and said, "If this is not evidence at a level the public and party members can accept, we are playing a very dangerous game." Supreme Council member Park Gyu-hwan said, "Are you even colluding with the People Power Party? Where is this kind of self-destructive terror, this act against the party?"
The "Shincheonji convention meddling allegation" was raised by candidate Kim Min-seok, who is running for party leadership. Candidate Song Young-gil also offered support on the 21st, saying, as he announced a meeting with former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, "I heard a shocking story about Shincheonji." In addition, as a media outlet reported that day that the joint task force was expanding its investigation into Shincheonji members joining the Democratic Party, the controversy is expected to continue for some time.
Pro-Cheong candidates running in the convention urged candidate Kim Min-seok to present direct evidence for the Shincheonji meddling allegation. They argued that the allegation at the center of the Democratic Party's leadership race could give the People Power Party grounds to attack.
Pro-Cheong supreme council candidates Lee Seong-yoon, Choi Min-hee and Han Min-su held a press conference at the National Assembly's communication center that day and, aiming at candidate Kim Min-seok, said, "Do not mislead the public with words; present evidence. Do not make the convention more muddied," and added, "If there is no basis, take responsibility for damaging the party's honor by giving the People Power Party a pretext for a baseless attack out of blind ambition for power, and step down."
The Democratic Party, facing the "Shincheonji convention meddling allegation," also finds itself in a bind. That is because the party's action on the allegation could work to the advantage of a particular candidate. As a result, the Democratic Party is unlikely to issue an official position on the joint task force investigation and related matters.