Democratic Party: "The Greatest Victims Are the People, Not Shincheonji... We Will Prepare Drastic Measures"

Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 24th and delivering a speech. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] The Democratic Party of Korea announced that it will take special measures against Shincheonji, where a large number of COVID-19 infections have occurred.

Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party, said at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 24th, "The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has increased significantly, creating a very serious atmosphere," and added, "We will also prepare special measures for Shincheonji facilities and believers."

He continued, "We will establish a quarantine system through the fastest possible supplementary budget formulation and a full public-private response," emphasizing, "We will concentrate medical personnel and other quarantine capabilities in the Daegu and Gyeongbuk areas, which have been designated as special management zones for infectious diseases."

Lee In-young, floor leader of the Democratic Party, also said, "In the situation where confirmed cases are rapidly increasing centered on Shincheonji, 670 church members have lost contact," and "We repeatedly request all believers to actively cooperate with the quarantine authorities."

Lee added, "The greatest victims may be the people trembling with anxiety beyond Shincheonji," and said, "If Shincheonji continues to refuse cooperation requests, we ask that all possible means be mobilized to respond."

Park Kwang-on, a Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party, said, "(The COVID-19 situation) changes before and after the mass infection of Shincheonji believers," and "We need to discuss strict measures against Shincheonji facilities and believers."

He also emphasized, "Shincheonji itself is making statements detached from the perception that they are victims," and "Shincheonji organizations must be strictly controlled."

Meanwhile, Kim Simon, spokesperson for Shincheonji, released an official statement on YouTube the previous day, saying, "COVID-19 is a disease that originated in China and spread to the Republic of Korea," and "Please recognize that the Shincheonji Jesus Church and its believers are the greatest victims of COVID-19."

He added, "Among the believers of the Daegu church, we have continuously contacted the 670 people who could not be reached together with the health authorities, and 417 have undergone testing," and "We are using all possible methods to contact the 253 who have not come to church for a long time."