[Edaily NOH HEE JUN Reporters Heo Yun-su and Gong Ji-yu] The leadership of Representative Kim Min-seok, who raised allegations of mass party membership by Shincheonji members and claims of interference in the August 17 national convention, has reached a critical crossroads. This is because, as it has become clear that there is no evidence for the so-called “secret three-party alliance involving Shincheonji” targeting the pro-Jeong Cheong-rae faction, Chairman Kim has found himself caught in the middle—facing not only calls for political accountability from the pro-Jeong faction but also pressure from the opposition to launch an investigation. While senior party members are strongly urging Chairman Kim to apologize to resolve the situation, experts are pointing out that an honest and transparent disclosure is necessary.

The Democratic Party’s Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 4th was marred by the absence of pro-Cheong Wa Dae faction members and harsh criticism, despite Chairman Kim Min-seok’s apology the previous day regarding the Shincheonji allegations. Senior Supreme Council Member Choi Min-hee boycotted the meeting, claiming that Chairman Kim had “silenced” her regarding her remarks on Shincheonji during a closed-door session. She later claimed on social media, “I was pressured by Chairman Kim not to make remarks regarding Shincheonji,” adding, “Naturally, I protested that he should not restrict a Supreme Council member’s right to speak, and Chairman Kim reacted vehemently.” She further stated, “If we do not disclose what should be disclosed and do not take responsibility where it is due, the party’s crisis will continue amid the ‘Shincheonji fog.’”

Supreme Council member Lee Seong-yun, who attended the meeting, also pressed the issue, asking, “Is this a matter that can be resolved with just a few words of apology in a closed-door general meeting?” Supreme Council member Han Min-soo also stated, “The party leader should apologize to the party members and supporters who have been hurt by these claims.” Party Leader Kim Min-seok, who heard the criticism from the pro-Cheong faction on the spot, stated, “We will take steps toward self-purification among party members and institutional reforms to ensure that concerns about religious interference in politics within the party are eliminated,” adding, “We will devote ourselves to party unity and the people’s livelihoods.” Subsequently, Leader Kim canceled his schedule for a book concert celebrating the publication of *The Era of the Democratic Party*, which had been planned for that afternoon.

The People Power Party called for an investigation. Jeong Jeom-sik, the People Power Party’s floor leader, pointed out, “If the claim of a secret Shincheonji alliance is false, the police must immediately investigate Chairman Kim Min-seok on charges of spreading false information; if the secret Shincheonji alliance within the Democratic Party is true, the police must investigate the Democratic Party.” The Citizens’ Committee for the Livelihoods of the Common People, a civic group, filed a complaint with the Yeongdeungpo Police Station in Seoul that day, accusing Chairman Kim of violating the Political Parties Act, abuse of authority, and defamation.

Senior Democratic Party lawmakers called for the situation to be resolved. A multi-term lawmaker representing a constituency in the Seoul metropolitan area told a reporter, “Although Chairman Kim spoke categorically about the Shincheonji allegations, he spoke sincerely,” adding, “We must not remain fixated on the Shincheonji allegations to the point where we cannot get anything done. We must move forward.” Five-term lawmaker Park Ji-won said on CBS Radio, “It was sufficient that Representative Kim apologized with a trembling voice at the general assembly of lawmakers,” adding, “The Democratic Party must unite during these difficult times.”

Criticism was also raised that Chairman Kim’s communication style needs improvement. A Democratic Party official remarked, “From the very beginning of forming the task force, there should have been sufficient discussion within the leadership about how to resolve the issue through active communication, but instead, it has amplified discord within the leadership,” adding, “This is why there are assessments that Chairman Kim lacks leadership in this regard.” Experts point out that a straightforward approach is necessary. Hong Seong-geol, professor emeritus of public administration at Kookmin University, said, “There is no way to navigate this situation other than through honesty and transparency,” adding, “If they keep trying to cover it up or brush it off, the issue will only grow larger.”