Shincheonji Church demands fair investigation over alleged political interference

Seoul, South Korea: The Shincheonji Church of Jesus has called for a fair, joint investigation into allegations of political interference, rejecting what it called speculative claims linking the church to partisan activities ahead of recent elections.

In a statement dated January 20, 2026, the church warned politicians and sections of the media against what it described as the exploitation of Shincheonji Church of Jesus for political contention, insisting that any inquiry must be impartial and evidence-based.

The church expressed concern over reports based on claims by expelled individuals alleging “mass entry” of members into the People Power Party, as well as interference in both presidential and general elections.

“Shincheonji Church of Jesus has never instructed its members to join any political party, including the People Power Party or the Democratic Party of Korea, nor to engage in political activities,” the statement reads. “Systematic election interference is neither structurally possible nor factually true.”

The church stressed that it neither tracks nor controls the political choices of its members, noting that individual political participation is a constitutional right. It said it does not maintain records of members’ party affiliations and has no mechanism to do so.

Despite this, the statement accused certain politicians and media outlets of prematurely concluding that the church colluded with specific parties, thereby predetermining the direction of investigations before their completion.

To establish what it called “truth based on facts, not speculation,” the church formally called on the Joint Investigation Headquarters to undertake a comprehensive verification process.

First, the church demanded a simultaneous joint inquiry by cross-referencing its membership list with party rosters from both the ruling and opposition parties. It said it is willing to provide its membership list, subject to members’ consent, and insisted the probe must not target a single party.

Second, the church called for direct investigations into any individuals found to be registered members of political parties, including scrutiny of how and why they joined and whether there was any systemic instruction. It also urged verification of whether such individuals participated in key internal party elections.

Third, the church challenged claims that it received special favors through political collusion, arguing that such allegations contradict the reality that it remains barred from using legally acquired properties as religious facilities. It demanded that any claims of collusion be backed by clear evidence.

Fourth, the statement urged authorities to expand the scope of the inquiry to examine potential collusion between politics and religion across all religious groups—including Protestant, Buddhist, and Catholic institutions—using the same standards applied to Shincheonji.