{
  "id": 18425392,
  "title": "DP leader makes public apology over Shincheonji claim amid backlash from lawmakers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/dp-leader-makes-public-apology-over-shincheonji-claim-amid-backlash",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-06T02:31:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yonhap News",
    "slug": "yonhap-news",
    "url": "https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20261106004300315"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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 Kim originally made the allegations in July, targeting former leader Jung Chung-rae ahead of the leadership election, which many perceived as politically motivated.",
  "summary": "SEOUL, Nov. 6 (Yonhap) -- Ruling Democratic Party (DP) leader Kim Min-seok issue...",
  "key_points": [
    "Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok apologizes for Shincheonji Church claim.",
    "Internal investigation found no evidence to support initial allegations.",
    "Opposition People Power Party demands joint investigation by prosecution and police."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The leader's retraction signals an attempt to mend internal fractures and move past accusations that were widely viewed as politically motivated maneuvers during the recent party leadership election.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "DPK leader makes public apology over Shincheonji claim amid backlash from lawmakers",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/dpk-leader-makes-public-apology-over-shincheonji-claim-amid-backlash",
        "published": "2026-11-06T02:52:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}