Seoul: Investigators have expanded their investigation into the Shincheonji Church of Jesus after uncovering evidence suggesting that its members may have been coerced into joining the ruling Democratic Party (DP), in addition to the main opposition People Power Party (PPP).

According to Yonhap News Agency, a police-prosecution task force (TF) has been questioning individuals with knowledge of the case. The investigation centers on allegations that the Shincheonji sect pressured its followers to join the DP to facilitate approval for converting its properties into religious facilities. If the sect's actions were intended to interfere in the DP's primaries or elections, those involved could face charges of election law violations.

The task force's previous focus was on claims that Shincheonji compelled its followers to join the PPP from 2021 to 2024, allegedly to sway the party's 2021 presidential primary and 2024 general election primaries. Earlier this month, the sect's founder, Lee Man-hee, was indicted on charges related to forcing PPP memberships.