Democratic Party Convention Turns Into 'Shincheonji Dispute'... Kim Minseok and Song Younggil Attack as Jeong Cheongrae Demands Apology

As the Democratic Party's August 17 national convention approaches, candidates Kim Minseok, Jeong Cheongrae, and Song Younggil, who have advanced to the final round of the party leader election, toured local regions on July 26 to win over party members’ votes. While Kim and Song criticized Jeong by highlighting conflicts between the party and the presidential office, Jeong demanded an apology from Kim, who had raised suspicions about alleged involvement of the Shincheonji religious group.

Candidates Jeong Cheong-rae, Kim Min-seok, and Song Young-gil (from left), who advanced to the final round of the party leader election. Photo by Yonhap News

On this day, Kim delivered a keynote speech at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, saying, “I have repeatedly stated as Prime Minister that the supplementary investigation authority should be abolished by May, but who has been dragging it out?” He directly criticized Jeong, adding, “What else would it be but anti-reform behavior to slander the President as anti-reform?” He further stated, “When dangerous cults appear, I will take action against them,” thereby reaffirming his earlier suspicions of ‘Shincheonji’s intervention in the party convention.’ The event was also attended by supreme council candidates Kim Yong, Seo Mihwa, Park Sunwon, and Lim Miae, who are all classified as pro-Lee Jae-myung faction.

On the same day, Jeong held meetings with party members in Ulsan and Daegu, where he emphasized, “The one who will protect President Lee to the end is Jeong Cheongrae, who has never betrayed nor left the party.” He continued, “To win both the general and presidential elections, those who supported Presidents Kim Daejung, Roh Moo-hyun, Moon Jae-in, and Lee Jaemyung must unite first. We must also pursue integration where possible outside the party, and build solidarity wherever necessary.” He cited Ulsan as an example of victory through unity in the local elections, and Pyeongtaek as a case of defeat due to division, adding, “We should proceed to merge with the Innovative Party for the Motherland as soon as possible.” The meeting also included pro-Jeong supreme council candidates Choi Minhee, Han Minsu, and Lee Sungyoon.

On his Facebook page, Jeong again targeted Kim, who raised the suspicions of Shincheonji involvement, saying, “Now it seems our party convention is turning into a self-destructive, negative event because of the Shincheonji controversy,” and demanded, “Those who have thrown the party into chaos should apologize to the members. I hope the party takes stern action on this matter.”

During an offline meeting, Jeong reiterated, “I have no connection with Shincheonji,” and criticized Kim’s allegations, stating, “Although he did not mention my name directly, he is spreading smoke as if there is something suspicious going on.”

Meanwhile, Song, who was visiting North Jeolla Province, also took aim at Jeong on Facebook, writing, “Reformers who only chant slogans and undermine the President may receive applause from certain politicians, but that only leads to defeat in the general election and eventually a transfer of power.” He added, “Rather than a leader who shakes the President, I will be a steadfast leader who firmly supports the foundation and protects the party.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.