Shincheonji Church of Jesus has demanded that investigators cross-reference its membership records with political party rosters to settle allegations of systematic election interference.
The church issued a statement Jan. 20 calling on the Joint Investigation Headquarters to conduct an impartial inquiry into claims that members joined the People Power Party to influence presidential and general elections. Church leaders said the allegations are speculative and based on the unilateral claims of expelled former members.
The organization said it has never instructed members to join the People Power Party, the Democratic Party of Korea or any other political group. Leaders argued that systematic interference is not structurally possible and that the church does not track the individual political choices of its congregants.
Church officials expressed willingness to provide membership lists, provided members consent, for a simultaneous inquiry into both major political parties. The statement cited a need for an investigation without sanctuary, echoing recent presidential instructions.
If individuals are found to be registered party members, the church requested that the headquarters investigate the circumstances of their enrollment and whether they participated in party primaries.
The statement also addressed claims of political collusion, noting that the church is currently blocked from using its own legally purchased facilities for religious purposes. Church leaders argued this reality contradicts the idea that the organization receives special favors from political entities.
The church further requested that investigators apply the same scrutiny to other religious groups, including Protestant, Buddhist and Catholic denominations, to identify any collusion between religion and politics.