The Joint Prosecution-Police Investigation Unit probing alleged collusion between the Unification Church, Shincheonji, and political circles launched a compulsory investigation into the ruling People Power Party over suspected mass party enrollment by Shincheonji members.
The investigation unit conducted a raid on the People Power Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on Tuesday. A contractor managing the party's membership registry was also subject to the search.
Shincheonji is suspected of forcing its followers to collectively register as dues-paying members of the People Power Party to influence the party's 2021 presidential primary process. The investigation unit has summoned current and former Shincheonji officials, including executives, to obtain testimony regarding the mass enrollment process.
During the investigation, witnesses reportedly testified that Shincheonji Chairman Lee Man-hee told associates in 2021, after his release from detention on medical bail, that "we must repay Yoon Suk Yeol, who blocked two Shincheonji raids when he was prosecutor general."
Shincheonji's enrollment drive into the People Power Party reportedly continued even after Yoon was confirmed as the party's presidential candidate. The investigation unit has identified evidence suggesting the group forced member enrollment through 2023 and is examining whether it exerted undue influence on the 2024 general elections.
The unit also raided Shincheonji's general assembly headquarters in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, and the Peace Training Center in Gapyeong County last month.