Overview
- A three-way contest between Kim Min-seok, Jung Chung-rae and Song Young-gil is confirmed for the Democratic Party's Aug. 17 convention after two candidates dropped out.
- Former prime minister Kim Min-seok suggested members of the Shincheonji Church might be trying to influence the leadership vote, reviving questions about why a proposed special-counsel probe into the church was halted under Jung's prior leadership.
- Shincheonji has denied directing members to join parties or interfere in elections and Kim has not publicly produced corroborating evidence for his claim.
- Jung Chung-rae has denied the allegation, threatened legal action, and his allies have demanded that Kim present proof, apologize, or withdraw from the race.
- Party officials warn the dispute has pulled debate away from policy, risks deepening factional splits after the convention, and could affect who controls nominations and the liberal bloc ahead of the 2028 general election.