DP leader makes public apology over Shincheonji claim amid backlash from lawmakers

SEOUL, November 6 -- The Democratic Party's leader, Kim Min-seok, has publicly apologized for alleging that members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus had infiltrated the party to influence the leadership race. Kim made the apology after an internal party investigation found no evidence to back up his initial claims. He expressed regret to party members and those hurt by his remarks during a meeting of the party's supreme council.

Kim pledged to concentrate on party unity and improving citizens' lives, addressing the issue internally. The opposition People Power Party has demanded a joint investigation by the prosecution and police, citing their own investigation where 56,000 church members were allegedly forced to join the opposition party. Kim originally made the allegations in July, targeting former leader Jung Chung-rae ahead of the leadership election, which many perceived as politically motivated.