Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (MINJU), stated on Wednesday (Nov. 4) regarding the controversy over "allegations of Shincheonji members joining the party" that he would "dedicate efforts to party unity and public livelihoods."

At the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on Wednesday, Kim said, "As agreed upon at yesterday's general meeting of party lawmakers, the party will pursue self-purification efforts and institutional reform procedures so that concerns over religious intervention in politics within the party disappear."

During the meeting, Kim delivered a message emphasizing internal party unity without making the public apology for the 'Shincheonji controversy' demanded by the pro-Cheong (pro-Jung Cheong-rae) faction.

At a closed-door general meeting of lawmakers the previous day, Kim stated that an internal party investigation had found no evidence regarding the Shincheonji allegations, while apologizing, "I would like to extend my deepest apologies to anyone who may have unintentionally suffered harm."

In response, former leader Jung Cheong-rae and lawmakers of the pro-Cheong faction demanded a public apology to party members and the public, saying, "Actions that place the party in grave danger are acts detrimental to the party."

(Photo: Yonhap News)