Shincheonji sect's political meddling allegations expand to ruling party

The political scandal involving the Shincheonji Church of Jesus — a Korean religious sect whose members allegedly joined the then-ruling People Power Party (PPP) en masse to back former President Yoon Suk Yeol — is now spilling over into the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) amid its leadership race.

Two leading candidates in the DPK leadership race have been exchanging barbs over the religious sect's alleged intervention in the DPK, escalating into a negative blame-game campaign.

Former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, a DPK leader candidate, has been raising allegations since last week that the religious sect is seeking to intervene in the DPK to influence the party.

“The essence of the upcoming national convention (party leadership race) lies in dismantling the three-way alliance of anti-Lee Jae Myung forces, factional division and Shincheonji,” Kim said, implying that his rival, Rep.

Jung Chung-rae, who stepped down as party leader before seeking reelection, might have been involved in the scandal.

Kim did not elaborate on the grounds for his claim, but said he raised this t ...