Investigators have broadened their inquiry into allegations surrounding the Shincheonji sect, uncovering evidence that suggests its followers may have been coerced into joining the ruling Democratic Party (DP), in addition to the main opposition People Power Party (PPP).
A police-prosecution task force is questioning individuals with knowledge of the case, suspecting that the sect pressured followers to join the DP to facilitate the approval of its properties for religious facility conversion.
If these actions were intended to influence the DP's primaries or elections, those responsible could face charges for violating election law. Previously, the task force had focused on suspicions that Shincheonji forced followers to join the PPP between 2021 and 2024, aiming to impact the outcome of the party's 2021 presidential primary and 2024 general election primaries.
Earlier in July, the sect's founder, Lee Man-hee, was indicted on charges of forcing PPP memberships.
