Han Byungdo Urges Opposition: "If You Have Nothing to Hide, Accept Special Counsel on Unification Church and Shincheonji"

"Let's Use This Opportunity to Clear Up Suspicions of Collusion Between Religion and Politics"

Han Byungdo, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, once again pressed the People Power Party on the 7th, saying, "Let's use this opportunity to clear up all suspicions of collusion between religion and politics," and urged, "If you have nothing to hide, accept the special counsel investigation into the Unification Church and Shincheonji."

At the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly that day, Han stated, "Media reports have confirmed that Shincheonji systematically had its followers join the People Power Party," reiterating his call.

Han Byungdo, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on January 20, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

He added, "There is even specific testimony from a former executive that at least 50,000 members of the church joined the People Power Party over the past five years," and questioned, "I ask the People Power Party: Even after this, will you still refuse a special counsel investigation into Shincheonji?"

Han further pointed out, "Previously, the Unification Church was also found by the Kim Keonhee special counsel to have illegally intervened in the People Power Party’s leadership election," and added, "The People Power Party announced that it has over one million dues-paying members, but the public is now questioning whether this figure was built up through collusion between Shincheonji and the party."

He also criticized the People Power Party for the failed confirmation hearing of Lee Hyehoon, the nominee for Minister of Planning and Budget, the previous day, saying, "They have already blocked livelihood bills with a sham filibuster, and now they are refusing confirmation hearings, abandoning even the vetting of public office candidates." He emphasized, "Refusing to hold a confirmation hearing is a clear dereliction of duty and an infringement on the people's right to choose," and insisted, "The confirmation hearing should be reconvened today."