Former Shincheonji Leaders Detained Amid Election Manipulation Allegations
Three former high-ranking officials of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus have been arrested in connection with allegations that the religious group attempted to influence general elections and a presidential election by enlisting thousands of its followers as members of the People Power Party.
The Seoul Central District Court issued arrest warrants for the individuals, including a former Shincheonji general affairs chief, citing concerns that they may destroy evidence or attempt to flee. Prosecutors are investigating claims that these former leaders orchestrated a plan, code-named ‘Pilates,’ to have tens of thousands of Shincheonji members join the People Power Party in the lead-up to the 2021 general election and the 2024 presidential election. The goal, according to the joint investigation team, was to exert influence over the political landscape.
Allegations of ‘Repaying Favors’
Investigators have reportedly obtained testimony suggesting that Shincheonji leadership communicated a desire to “repay favors” to former President Yoon Suk-yeol during his tenure as Prosecutor General in 2021. At that time, Shincheonji was under investigation as a cluster of infections during the COVID-19 pandemic. The implication is that Yoon’s alleged intervention in halting the investigation was being repaid through political maneuvering.
The joint investigation team has questioned the former general affairs chief twice and the former Shincheonji chief more recently as part of this ongoing probe. Authorities are working to determine the extent of the organization’s involvement in political activities and its potential impact on electoral outcomes.
