[Official Statement] Position of Shincheonji Church of Jesus Regarding Remarks by Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo

[January 21, 2026]

1. Shincheonji Church of Jesus has never systematically intervened in the name change of any specific political party or the 2021 People Power Party presidential primary process, nor has it supported any specific candidate. The claim by former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo attributing the cause of his primary defeat to Shincheonji Church of Jesus is a clear misconception and a groundless political offensive.

2. As former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo is politically exploiting Shincheonji Church of Jesus based on unverified claims and distorted perceptions for his own political standing, we strongly demand that he immediately cease such false remarks.