DPK's new stance on Unification Church

The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has agreed on the need to introduce an independent counsel to investigate allegations that the Unification Church lobbied and bribed politicians to influence policymaking processes. This is a welcome development. The ruling party should work closely with opposition parties to select a suitable independent counsel who can conduct a thorough investigation so that the truth about politicians’ alleged collusive ties to the controversial religious group can be uncovered. Those found responsible should face appropriate legal consequences. The DPK’s announcement came as a surprise. Until Sunday, the party had maintained staunch opposition to appointing an independent counsel to probe the church’s political influence, arguing that the police were already investigating the case and that the National Assembly should wait for the results. However, the DPK shifted its stance abruptly on Monday during a meeting of its decision-making Supreme Council. DPK Chairman Rep. Jung Chung-rae said there was no longer any justification for rejecting calls for an