Kim Minseok Apologizes for 'Shincheonji Interference' Allegations, Faces Another Complaint... This Time Under the Political Parties Act

Seominwi: "Offense of Publishing False Information Under the Political Parties Act"
Requests investigation to be combined with the existing case

Kim Minseok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, has been additionally reported to police over the allegation of “Shincheonji’s interference” that he raised during the August 17 party convention.

Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, looks at documents with a serious expression during a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly on the 4th. Photo by Yun Dongju

According to The Asia Business Daily’s reporting on Nov. 4, the civic group People’s Livelihood Countermeasures Committee (Seominwi) filed a complaint against Kim that day with the Seoul Yeongdeungpo Police Station. The complaint alleges violations of the Political Parties Act for publishing false information in a party leader election, defamation under the Criminal Act, and abuse of authority.

In its complaint, Seominwi claimed that Kim raised allegations of organized interference by Shincheonji in the party’s leadership election ahead of the Democratic Party convention in July, seeking to prevent then-rival candidate Assemblyman Jeong Cheong-rae from being elected.

Seominwi said an investigation was necessary to determine whether Kim’s actions constituted the publication of false information, particularly since Kim acknowledged the previous day that he had no evidence to support the allegations. The Political Parties Act stipulates that anyone who publishes false information unfavorable to a candidate with the intent of preventing that candidate from being elected in a party leader election is subject to punishment.

At a joint speech event for preliminary candidates for party leader in July, Kim argued, “The essence of this party convention is to break up the secret alliance among the anti-Lee faction, divisive forces, and Shincheonji.” He also raised the possibility of organized interference by Shincheonji through social media and other channels, calling for the party to respond.

However, at a National Assembly lawmakers’ meeting on Nov. 3, about 100 days after he first raised the allegations, Kim said, “There was no evidence,” and apologized, saying, “I am deeply sorry to those who were harmed unintentionally.” Seominwi subsequently filed an additional complaint against Kim with the police.

Seominwi had previously filed complaints with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency against Kim and Assemblyman Song Young-gil on suspicion of violating the Public Official Election Act and defamation, among other charges. The case was transferred to the Seoul Yeongdeungpo Police Station, where an investigation is underway. Seominwi requested that this additional complaint be combined with the existing case for investigation.

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