The controversy over allegations of Shincheonji's interference in the national convention, which erupted during the Democratic Party of Korea's leadership race, is escalating into a matter of ethics investigation and disciplinary action. There are concerns within the party that this issue could lead to prolonged internal conflict.

Candidate Jung Cheong-rae strongly criticized the Shincheonji allegations raised by candidate Kim Min-seok during the Democratic Party's leadership TV debate held on KBS on the 5th. Candidate Jung stated that "Kim's raising of the allegations targets the entire party and all party members," calling the Shincheonji allegations the most malicious claim that has muddied the national convention. He argued that Kim failed to provide concrete evidence when raising the allegations.

Candidate Jung also explained the background behind the collapse of the 'Unification Church and Shincheonji Special Investigation' he had pushed for during his previous tenure as party leader. He stated that the special investigation initiative was concluded as a joint investigation headquarters probe during consultations among the party, government, and presidential office, and pointed out that baseless allegations反而 provided the People Power Party with a pretext to attack the Democratic Party.

Candidate Jung stated, "If I become party leader, I will launch an ethics investigation into candidate Kim." He emphasized, "Baseless allegations should be held accountable through an ethical review, and if there is evidence, candidate Kim can clear his name and the party can also resolve the allegations."

In response, candidate Kim Min-seok rebutted that raising the Shincheonji allegations cannot constitute grounds for disciplinary action. Candidate Kim questioned "whether raising the issue of Shincheonji's interference in the national convention is something that should be punished," and noted that President Lee Jae-myung had also expressed concerns about this in the past. He also pointed out that Representative Choi Min-hee, who is close to candidate Jung, had previously sponsored a related bill.

Candidate Kim stated that he is refraining from making further comments in consideration of the national convention period. He asked, "Should I be expelled from the party or face disciplinary action for raising this issue?" and also criticized candidate Jung's attitude of using others to make his case.

As the debate intensified, candidate Song Young-gil urged both sides to exercise restraint. Candidate Song stated, "Even in a presidential election, it is morally inappropriate for the winner to prosecute a rival candidate," emphasizing that in internal party elections as well, once the competition is over, everyone should be embraced and united. He added that once the joint investigation headquarters releases its findings, it would be an issue to verify together accordingly.

Candidate Jung Cheong-rae countered that candidate Song is being strict only with him while lenient toward candidate Kim. He reiterated that this issue is a serious matter that could escalate into attacks claiming the Democratic Party is an unconstitutional party, and stated that the ethics investigation is not retaliation against candidate Kim but is necessary to resolve the allegations surrounding both the party and the candidate.