The Democratic Party of Korea has found signs that members of the Shincheonji religious group joined the party en masse, following an internal review of allegations that surfaced during its Aug. 17 national convention.
Party leaders were recently briefed on circumstances suggesting that Shincheonji followers signed up as party members as a group, according to the party on the 13th. The leadership is discussing options including convening a general meeting of lawmakers to share the findings of the review.
"The review was recently concluded and reported to the party's supreme council," the Democratic Party said. "How much of the content to disclose and what follow-up steps to take are under discussion."
The party had begun an overhaul of its membership rolls after questions arose during the Aug. 17 convention about the possibility of organized enrollment and intervention by Shincheonji followers. Shortly after the convention, Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok set up a task force on membership records and instructed Supreme Council member Park Sun-won to compile cases of dual party affiliation, phantom members and involuntary enrollment carried out without the individuals' consent.
Some within the party argue that the case should be referred to investigative authorities to determine whether the enrollment was organized. The leadership, however, is said to be moving cautiously while verifying further details.