A joint team of prosecutors and police raided the headquarters of South Korea's main opposition People Power Party on Friday. The operation targeted allegations that followers of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus were mass-recruited to influence the party's 2021 presidential primary and 2024 general election candidate nominations. Shincheonji has denied all accusations.
Overview of the Incident
On February 27, 2026, a joint team of prosecutors and police raided the headquarters of South Korea's main opposition People Power Party (PPP) in western Seoul. The operation aimed to seize the party's membership list, according to legal sources.
Background and Allegations
The Shincheonji Church of Jesus, a nonmainstream religious sect, is accused of forcing its followers to join the PPP to influence the outcomes of the party's 2021 presidential primary and candidate nominations for the 2024 general elections. Statements from former Shincheonji officials indicate that the church promoted a project called "Pilates" to encourage followers to join, with tens of thousands becoming dues-paying members.
The joint investigation was launched last month to probe allegations of corrupt ties between religious groups and politicians. The team has been examining Shincheonji for suspected violations of the Political Parties Act, including interference in the PPP's membership management and decision-making processes. It previously raided the sect's headquarters and other facilities last month.
Shincheonji's Response
Shincheonji has denied all allegations, including the mass enrollment in the PPP and any intervention in candidate nominations. PPP leader Jang Dong-hyuk recently attended a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly in Seoul.
This case highlights broader scrutiny of connections between politics and religion in South Korea, with investigators continuing to gather evidence.
