Democratic Party's Attempt to Use 3,000 Religious Followers in Primary Revealed in Transcript
Jin Jongoh: "Truth Must Be Uncovered Through Parliamentary Investigation"
The Democratic Party of Korea has come under suspicion for allegedly attempting to use 3,000 followers from a specific religious group in its primary election.
On September 30, Assemblyman Jin Jongoh of the People Power Party held a press conference at the National Assembly, stating, "It has come to light that Kim, the chairperson of the Seoul Metropolitan Council's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee from the Democratic Party, obtained the personal information of 3,000 members of a religious group and intended to use it in the Democratic Party's 2026 primary election."
According to a transcript released by Assemblyman Jin, an employee in the office of the aforementioned committee chairperson attempted to persuade the informant by offering to pay party membership fees for six months for the 3,000 individuals, with the aim of making them full party members.
Additionally, it was conveyed that time was needed to manually process the list, which had been acquired in Excel format, in order to make it appear as though the party members had joined voluntarily.
Regarding the purpose of party membership, Kim explained, "You will be given the right to choose a candidate, so if you receive a phone call or URL around February or March next year, simply click the link and make your selection." When the informant asked, "Will there be another directive like in the previous primary?" Kim responded, "Let's go with Kim Minseok."
When asked which religious group was involved, Assemblyman Jin replied, "It seems it will be revealed soon, but it is difficult to say at this moment," withholding further comment. He is expected to make additional disclosures soon.
Assemblyman Jin emphasized, "The fact that the Democratic Party attempted to manipulate party membership by using religious group followers to support a specific candidate is not merely an internal party issue, but an unconstitutional act that undermines democracy. The People Power Party will use every means available, including a parliamentary investigation, to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable."
He added, "If this recording is proven true, the Democratic Party should undergo a thorough investigation, whether by a special prosecutor or otherwise. If Prime Minister Kim Minseok is involved, he should immediately resign and cooperate with the investigation."
In response, Democratic Party leader Jung Chungrae instructed the party's Ethics Inspection Team and the Seoul Metropolitan Party to conduct a thorough investigation and take disciplinary action if any illegal activities are found. The party also reaffirmed its intention to take strict measures in accordance with the official notice on 'Guidelines for Handling and Submitting Party Membership Applications' issued in August, should any violations be discovered at the city or provincial party level.
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