South Korean police and prosecutors raided the headquarters of the main opposition People Power Party over allegations that the Shincheonji cult mobilized tens of thousands of members to join the party, aiming to interfere in the 2021 and 2024 elections.
On 27 Feb 2026 GMT+7, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency reported that investigators conducted a search of the main opposition People Power Party headquarters in Seoul following allegations of organized recruitment of Shincheonji cult members into the party.
According to reports, the operation was a joint effort between police and prosecutors to seize the party's membership list, targeting allegations related to the Shincheonji cult. Legal sources stated that the cult is accused of pressuring or persuading followers to join the People Power Party to influence the 2021 presidential primary and the candidate selection process for the 2024 general election.
The investigative team said they obtained testimony from a former senior Shincheonji official about a project called “Pilates,” aimed at encouraging followers to formally join political parties. Tens of thousands reportedly participated in the project, paying official party membership fees.
The investigation is ongoing to determine whether there was a systematic attempt to interfere in the political process. This case is closely watched due to its potential widespread impact on South Korea's political landscape.
Source: Yonhap