Ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) leader Kim Min-seok issues a public apology after reversing earlier claims that members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus had joined the party en masse to influence its Aug. 17 leadership election. The apology follows a finding from an internal party investigation that no evidence supports his earlier allegation of collusion involving party lawmakers and the religious sect.
Outlets frame the episode as an internal political dispute with wider repercussions. Korea Times stresses Kim’s second, public apology and his acknowledgement that the earlier concerns about “interference of religion in politics” were not supported by the investigation, while also noting his pledge to focus on party unity and livelihoods. Yonhap likewise reports the reversal and apology, emphasizing the backlash within the party and the fact that a planned briefing on the investigation results is canceled.
Both outlets also reference outside pressure: the main opposition People Power Party calls for a joint prosecution-police probe. Across coverage, the central context is Kim’s July remark, widely viewed as targeting a specific political faction, and the subsequent internal process that leads to his retraction.
