Editing Jung Myung-seok (section)

== Providence ==

=== Founding of the Providence movement (1980–1998) ===
Jung Myung-seok joined as a member of the [[Unification Church]] in 1974,<ref name=":4" /> where he taught briefly in 1978. In 1980 he founded the Ae-chun Church or Church of Providence. Its religious events were held in university football stadiums, sometimes in the form of football matches. Jung recruited elite Korean students on campuses through sports and a variety of student interest clubs.<ref name="theaustralian" /><!-- To expand -->

=== Self-imposed exile and criminal convictions (1999–2008) ===
Jung Myung-seok fled South Korea in 1999 after Korean television broadcaster [[SBS TV (South Korean TV channel)|Seoul Broadcasting System]] aired its exposé on the sex crimes of Jung on 20 March 1999. He hid in Hong Kong and mainland China for years before he was extradited from [[Beijing]], China, in February 2008 to face charges in South Korea.<ref name=":5" />

While Jung was on the run, Providence (then known mostly as JMS) continued publishing Jung's [[Sermon|sermons]] online, providing telephone counseling and holding overseas events for their followers.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Paek |first=Sang-hyun |date=21 February 2018 |title=Cult Leader Jung Myung-seok Released After Serving Full 10-Year Sentence |url=http://www.kukmindaily.co.kr/article/view.asp?page=&gCode=7111&arcid=0012145767&code=71111101 |access-date=11 March 2023 |website=[[Kukmin Ilbo]] | language=en |archive-date=8 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308055446/http://www.kukmindaily.co.kr/article/view.asp?page=&gCode=7111&arcid=0012145767&code=71111101 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=22 May 2007 |title=韩国"淫乱教主"郑明析中国落网 |trans-title=Korea's "Fornication Leader" Jung Myung-seok arrested in China |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/world/2007-05/22/content_6135125.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925210318/http://news.xinhuanet.com/world/2007-05/22/content_6135125.htm |archive-date=25 September 2015 |access-date=11 March 2023}}</ref>

According to former Providence members, Jung traveled often to [[Japan]] to [[Proselytism|proselytize]] until 2002. He was said to have stayed in his followers' homes in [[Osaka]] and [[Chiba Prefecture|Chiba prefectures]], where he gathered at least 10 female followers daily and sexually assaulted them "under the pretext of health checks". Japanese female followers were said to be brought overseas for rendezvous with Jung and told not to reveal these trips to others, or they would be condemned to Hell.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 July 2006 |title=2,000 Japanese join cult led by a suspected sex offender on the run from Interpol |url=http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200607290185.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080120215531/http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200607290185.html |archive-date=20 January 2008 |website=[[The Asahi Shimbun]]}}</ref>

Besides being prosecuted in South Korea, Jung was also indicted by the Taiwanese District Prosecutors Office on charges of rape in 2003 but failed to appear in court. He remains wanted by the Taiwan Taipei District Prosecutors Office until the arrest warrant expires in 2027.<ref>{{Cite web |last=鄭 |first=心連 |date=6 March 2023 |title=攝理教主鄭明析魔爪伸台灣！涉性侵上百女大生 北檢通緝時效曝 |trans-title=Setsuri leader Jung Myung-seok's claws extend to Taiwan! involved in sexual assault of hundreds of female college students. Taipei District Prosecutor time limit for the arrest has been revealed |url=https://news.tvbs.com.tw/local/2060631 |access-date=11 March 2023 |website=TVBS |language=zh-tw |archive-date=6 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306223757/https://news.tvbs.com.tw/local/2060631 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=聯合新聞網 |date=6 March 2023 |title=南韓「攝理教主」遭爆性侵上百名台灣女大生 北檢通緝至2027年 |trans-title=South Korea's Setsurin sect leader sexually assaulted hundreds of female college students from Taiwan. Wanted by the Taipei District Prosecutor until 2027 |url=https://udn.com/news/story/7317/7012949 |access-date=8 March 2023 |website=[[United Daily News]] | language=zh-Hant-TW |archive-date=8 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308130727/https://udn.com/news/story/7317/7012949 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Jung was arrested in Hong Kong in July 2003 for overstaying his visa but was released three days later on bail. When Hong Kong authorities approved [[extradition]] to Korea, Jung fled the extradition hearing.<ref name="theaustralian">{{cite news |last=Callick |first=Rowan |date=15 May 2007 |title=Asian Cult Leader Arrested |work=[[The Australian]] | url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/asian-cult-leader-arrested/story-e6frg6so-1111113538594 |url-status=dead |access-date=24 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010100430/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/asian-cult-leader-arrested/story-e6frg6so-1111113538594 |archive-date=10 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=21 September 2003 |title=Ask the Police |url=http://www.npa.go.kr/eng/visitor/visitorView.jsp?seq=167 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081009220613/http://www.npa.go.kr/eng/visitor/visitorView.jsp?seq=167 |archive-date=9 October 2008 |access-date=21 November 2006 |publisher=[[Law enforcement in South Korea|Korean National Police Agency]] | quote=Seoul Interpol requested the suspect's deportation to Hongkong Interpol on 1 July 2003. The suspect was arrested for illegal stay in Hongkong, China by Hongkong Immigration Department on 9 July 2003 but released on bail after 3 days. Hongkong Immigration Department approved the exit order for Korea against Myung Sok JUNG. However, the suspect disappeared since he appealed dissatisfaction to Immigration Department on 1 August 2003. Hongkong police cancelled the bail against the suspect and are searching for him after registering the suspect on watching lists.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=2 January 2008 |title=Accused rapist cult leader faces extradition to Korea |url=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22998981-23109,00.html |url-status=dead |access-date=27 February 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080115174612/http://www.news.com.au/story/0%2C23599%2C22998981-23109%2C00.html |archive-date=15 January 2008}}</ref> An [[Interpol notice|Interpol Red Notice]] was issued on Jung in 2003 for multiple counts of fraud, sexual crimes, and embezzlement.<ref name="cult_leader_extradited">{{cite news |date=21 February 2008 |title=Cult Leader Extradited to Korea |work=[[The Korea Times]] | url=https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/02/113_19368.html |access-date=27 February 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080401134040/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/02/113_19368.html |archive-date=1 April 2008 |url-status=live |quote=He'd been on Korean wanted lists since 1999 (and the Interpol Red Notice since 2004) after fleeing the country after charges of rape emerged. While overseas, he made constant headlines for allegedly raping female devotees in various countries.}}</ref><ref name="Korea JoongAng Daily" /> In 2006 South Korean authorities put Jung on an international wanted list on rape charges.<ref name="lawyers_eye_cult">{{cite news |date=31 July 2006 |title=Lawyers eye cult rape accusations |work=[[The Japan Times]] | url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2006/07/31/national/lawyers-eye-cult-rape-accusations/ |url-status=live |access-date=31 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150828143349/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2006/07/31/national/lawyers-eye-cult-rape-accusations/ |archive-date=28 August 2015 |quote=South Korean authorities have put Jung, 61, on an international wanted list on rape charges. Watanabe said the head of Setsuri persuaded Japanese women to join the cult, introduced them to Jung and took them to Jung's hideout. Jung allegedly raped the women, Watanabe said, while they were under mind control. }}</ref> By October 2006, South Korean prosecutors had filed nine charges and accusations against him.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 October 2006 |title=Government Officials Suspected of Helping JMS Head |url=https://www.donga.com/en/article/all/20061018/249980/1 |access-date=11 March 2023 |website=[[The Dong-A Ilbo]] | language=en |archive-date=11 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311132122/https://www.donga.com/en/article/all/20061018/249980/1 |url-status=live}}</ref>

After learning that Jung had fled to China, the South Korean government officially asked China in November 2006 to extradite him.<ref name="Korea JoongAng Daily">{{cite news |date=16 May 2007 |title=Founder of cult captured in China after eight years |newspaper=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]] | url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2875640 |url-status=live |access-date=31 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925161545/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2875640 |archive-date=25 September 2015 }}</ref> In February 2007, [[Interpol]] requested the fingerprints of Jung from South Korea, who was then thought to be in [[Costa Rica|Costa Rican territories]] under false documentation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 February 2007 |title=Interpol solicitó a Corea del Sur huellas dactilares de líder prófugo de secta religiosa |trans-title=Interpol asked South Korea for fingerprints of fugitive religious sect leader |url=https://www.nacion.com/archivo/interpol-solicito-a-corea-del-sur-huellas-dactilares-de-lider-profugo-de-secta-religiosa/LCSWNCZO55A6PC7UBOJHGBV5Q4/story/ |access-date=8 March 2023 |website=La Nación |language=es |archive-date=8 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308055447/https://www.nacion.com/archivo/interpol-solicito-a-corea-del-sur-huellas-dactilares-de-lider-profugo-de-secta-religiosa/LCSWNCZO55A6PC7UBOJHGBV5Q4/story/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

Jung was reportedly hiding in Qianshan near [[Anshan]], Liaoning Province, China, after escaping Hong Kong in 2003.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shin |first=Ho-cheol |date=9 October 2007 |title=중국 지방 공안이 정명석 비호했다 |trans-title=Chinese provincial public security guarded Jeong Myung-seok |url=https://www.sisain.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=194 |access-date=9 March 2023 |website=SisaIN |language=ko |archive-date=9 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309024142/https://www.sisain.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=194 |url-status=live}}</ref> After about eight years on the run,<ref>{{cite news |date=21 February 2008 |title=China extradites chief of alleged S. Korean rapist cult |newspaper=China Post |agency=[[Agence France-Presse|AFP]], ''[[China Post]]'' |place=Taiwan |url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/asia/2008/02/21/143806/China-extradites.htm |url-status=dead |access-date=27 February 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612011929/http://www.chinapost.com.tw/asia/2008/02/21/143806/China-extradites.htm |archive-date=12 June 2011 }}</ref> [[Ministry of Public Security (China)|Chinese Ministry of Public Security]] announced that Jung had been arrested in [[Beijing]] by Chinese police on 1 May 2007.<ref name="theaustralian" /><ref name="Fox News">{{cite news |date=16 May 2007 |title=Alleged South Korean Rape Cult Leader Arrested in China |publisher=[[Fox News Channel]] | agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/alleged-south-korean-rape-cult-leader-arrested-in-china |url-status=live |access-date=27 February 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071228122405/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,272712,00.html |archive-date=28 December 2007 }}</ref><ref name="donga1">{{cite news |date=17 May 2007 |title=Jeong Myeong-seok Arrested in China |work=[[The Dong-a Ilbo]] |url=http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?biid=2007051777138 |url-status=live |access-date=28 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304144223/http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?biid=2007051777138 |archive-date=4 March 2014 |quote=Hwang Chul-kyu, who is in charge of international crime cases in Ministry of Justice, announced on May 16 that, "Chinese police informed us that a man caught in Beijing on May 1 turned out to be Jeong Myeong-seok after comparing fingerprints." }}</ref> Jung was questioned by the Chinese authorities for the sexual assault he allegedly committed in China.<ref name="Korea JoongAng Daily" /> The Liaoning Provincial Higher People's Court ruled in September 2007 to extradite Jung, a decision upheld by the [[Supreme People's Court]].<ref>{{cite news |author=등록 |date=22 February 2008 |script-title=ko:정명석 제이엠에스 총재 |trans-title=Jung Myung-seok the JMS leader detained |journal=[[The Hankyoreh]] | url=http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/society/religious/271485.html |url-status=live |access-date=12 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925210444/http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/society/religious/271485.html |archive-date=25 September 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=2 October 2007 |script-title=ko:8년 도피 행각 JMS 정명석, 한국 인도 결정 |trans-title=8 years on the run, decision to send JMS's Jung Myung-seok back to Korea |journal=Christian Today |url=http://www.christiantoday.co.kr/view.htm?id=187853 |url-status=live |access-date=12 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925214711/http://www.christiantoday.co.kr/view.htm?id=187853 |archive-date=25 September 2015 }}</ref> He was extradited back to South Korea to face charges in February 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 February 2008 |title=Cult boss extradited to face sex raps |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2008/02/20/socialAffairs/Cult-boss-extradited-to-face-sex-raps/2886496.html |access-date=11 March 2023 |website=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]] |language=en}}</ref> Jung was also charged with fraud and embezzlement of church funds.{{fact|date=September 2025}}

Seoul prosecutors indicted him on five charges of sexually assaulting five female followers from 2001 to 2006 in Malaysia, Hong Kong, and China. Jung was initially convicted on three counts of rape and acquitted on one count, with one case dismissed because the victim dropped the charges. He was sentenced to six years of imprisonment in 2008.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=23 February 2008 |title=Religious sect leader formally arrested on rape charges |url=https://en.yna.co.kr/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119041105/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/national/2008/02/23/56/0302000000AEN20080223001200315F.HTML |archive-date=19 January 2016 |access-date=11 March 2023 |website=[[Yonhap News Agency]] | language=en}}</ref> An [[Appellate court|appeal court]] added four more years to his sentence in 2009, convicting him on all four charges of rape between 2001 and 2006.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 April 2009 |title=Court Upholds 10-Yr Sentence on Cult Leader |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2023/03/113_43718.html |access-date=11 March 2023 |website=[[The Korea Times]] | language=en |archive-date=11 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311132127/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2023/03/113_43718.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=30 March 2010 |title=Korean cult leader jailed for 10 years for sex crimes |url=https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20090210000101 |access-date=11 March 2023 |website=[[The Korea Herald]] | language=en |archive-date=11 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311132133/https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20090210000101 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=10 February 2009 |title=Cult head jailed for sex crimes |url=http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking+News/Asia/Story/STIStory_336458.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101115020432/http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking+News/Asia/Story/STIStory_336458.html |archive-date=15 November 2010 |access-date=11 March 2023 |website=[[The Straits Times]] | publisher=[[Agence France-Presse|AFP]]}}</ref>

=== Growing the Providence movement from jail (2008–2018) ===
In April 2009, Jung Myung-seok was convicted of 4 counts of rape by the [[Supreme Court of Korea]] and was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. During his incarceration between 2008 and 2018, Jung's sermons and directives were delivered through visitors to the prison and through his successor Jung Jo-eun (real name Kim Ji-seon).<ref name=":7" />

Members of the Providence Church, now mostly known as the Christian Gospel Movement (CGM), tried to downplay their religious ties when proselytizing. They often recruit members from shopping malls and university campuses in Taiwan, Japan and Australia. Other new members are recruited from student clubs in universities (e.g. modeling, cheerleading, groups focused on [[Sustainable Development Goals|sustainable development goals]] issues),<ref>{{Cite web |last=國府田英之 |date=15 September 2021 |title=社会問題化した宗教団体「摂理」がコロナ禍で有名大学で勧誘を活発化 SNSを駆使した巧妙な手口〈dot.〉 |url=https://dot.asahi.com/dot/2021091300043.html |access-date=8 March 2023 |website=AERA dot. (アエラドット) |archive-date=8 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308064352/https://dot.asahi.com/dot/2021091300043.html |url-status=live }}</ref> before they are introduced to the Providence doctrine and CGM church services with Jung's sermons. According to former members, some female followers are then introduced as spiritual brides for the leader and coerced or forced into sexual relationships with their perceived messiah.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":1" />

In 2014, Australian public broadcaster [[SBS (Australian TV channel)|SBS]] aired a feature ''Inside Providence: The Korean church cult led by a convicted rapist'', in which former Australian members described how they were encouraged to write letters, send photos of themselves in bikinis and visit Jung in jail.<ref>{{Citation |title=Inside Providence: The Korean church cult led by a convicted rapist {{!}} Investigation {{!}} SBS The Feed | date=9 April 2014 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11K8R8kmwtM |access-date=12 March 2023 |language=en |archive-date=11 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311165355/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11K8R8kmwtM |url-status=live }}</ref> Members are encouraged to ignore news on Jung's imprisonment and alleged crimes, claiming he is a messiah suffering for them.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=高一就被老師找入「攝理教」！ 口譯網紅揭「洗腦SOP」 |trans-title=Introduced to Providence in first year of high school by teacher. Internet personality describes 'Brainwashing SOP' |url=https://www.ctwant.com/article/243662 |access-date=12 March 2023 |website=Want Weekly |date=11 March 2023 |language=zh-Hant-TW |archive-date=12 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312085834/https://www.ctwant.com/article/243662 |url-status=live }}</ref> In a 2023 interview, a source confirmed that members were indoctrinated to believe Jung was wrongfully accused.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 March 2023 |title="더이상, JMS는 없다"…'DKZ' 경윤, 모태신앙의 탈출 |trans-title=No more, no more JMS. DKZ's Kyoungyoon escapes from mother's faith |url=https://www.dispatch.co.kr/2242011 |access-date=13 March 2023 |website=Dispatch (Korea) |language=ko-KR |quote=Since I was young, I learned that Jung Myung-seok was falsely accused of his crimes. They teach a lot of reasons why he is actually innocent. It was almost like an indoctrination. With that, it's like we were all brainwashed into thinking, "Oh, well Jung Myung-seok was persecuted just like Jesus was." |archive-date=13 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313035623/https://www.dispatch.co.kr/2242011 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Jung was released from jail on 18 February 2018.<ref>{{cite news |title=The cult that's infiltrated NZ schools, campuses and churches |work=NOTED |url=https://www.noted.co.nz/currently/social-issues/cults-nz-providence-infiltrate-nz/ |url-status=live |access-date=7 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007183612/https://www.noted.co.nz/currently/social-issues/cults-nz-providence-infiltrate-nz/ |archive-date=7 October 2018 }}</ref>

=== 2018–present ===
Jung Myung-seok was indicted in South Korea on 28 October 2022, for sexually assaulting a follower from Hong Kong and sexually abusing an Australian follower.<ref>{{Cite news |title=JMS 정명석 '성폭력 육성파일'…"사랑으로 날 섬겨야" 세뇌 |trans-title=JMS Jung Myung Seok 'Sexual Violence Files' "Serve me with love" brainwashing |work=[[JTBC]] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DN8Ci5BRG20 |access-date=12 March 2023 |archive-date=12 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312085835/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DN8Ci5BRG20 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":6" />

On 13 March 2023, it was reported that Providence's second-in-command Jung Jo-eun, stated that there were seven people from the church who were sexually assaulted by Jung Myung-seok, of which two were minors. She also said that a Providence member said Jung Myung-seok gave false testimony. Jung Jo-Eun said in a recorded video that she had tried to prevent female followers from entering within a 3-meter radius next to Jung Myung-seok.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Choi |first=Hye-seung |date=13 March 2023 |title="정명석 반경 3m에 여자들 못 오게 막았다"... JMS 2인자, 범행 인정 |trans-title="I prevented women from coming within a 3&nbsp;m radius of Jeong Myeong-seok"... JMS No. 2 admitted to the crime |url=https://www.chosun.com/national/national_general/2023/03/13/VJHU3SFSLREO3LTUQHDFRK2PZQ/ |access-date=13 March 2023 |website=[[Chosun Ilbo]] |language=ko |archive-date=13 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313063336/https://www.chosun.com/national/national_general/2023/03/13/VJHU3SFSLREO3LTUQHDFRK2PZQ/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Hae-jun |date=13 March 2023 |title=JMS 2인자, 선긋기 폭로에…"J언니는 그냥 악마" 피해자 분노 |url=https://www.joongang.co.kr/article/25146794 |access-date=13 March 2023 |website=[[JoongAng Ilbo]] |language=ko |archive-date=13 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313124640/https://www.joongang.co.kr/article/25146794 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 22 December 2023, the 12th Criminal Division of the Daejeon District Court, presided over by Chief Judge Na Sang-hoon, sentenced Jung Myung-seok to 23 years in prison in a sentencing trial for charges including quasi-rape and forced molestation. The court also ordered a 10-year disclosure of personal information, 15 years of wearing a location-tracking electronic device, and a 10-year ban on employment in institutions related to children and adolescents.<ref>{{cite news|last=Shin|first=Jin Ho|title='성범죄' JMS 정명석 징역 23년…법원 앞 신도 200명 몰려왔다|trans-title='Sex Crimes' JMS Jung Myung-seok Sentenced to 23 Years in Prison... 200 Followers Gathered Outside the Court|url=https://www.joongang.co.kr/article/25216953#home|access-date=11 July 2024|newspaper=The JoongAng|date=22 December 2023}}</ref>

Pastor Kim Dae-deok, co-representative of the Christian Gospel Mission, expressed concern over the first trial's verdict, stating that fair procedures were ignored and constitutional principles were violated. He criticized the biased attitude of the court and its use of vague concepts in the judgment, announcing their intention to appeal immediately. Following the teachings of Jung Myung-seok, the organization pledged to fight with truth and peace, and Kwak Dong-won, representative of the church council, declared that they would continue to seek justice until Pastor Jung's innocence is proven.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kim|first=Ha Won|title=JMS 정명석 목사 23년 중형은 '무죄추정주의'와 '죄형법정주의' 무시된 선고라 외치다|trans-title=JMS Pastor Jung Myung-seok's 23-Year Sentence Decried as a Violation of 'Presumption of Innocence' and 'Principle of Legality'|url=https://www.ndnnews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=519753|access-date=11 July 2024|newspaper=NDN News|date=22 December 2023}}</ref>

Regarding this, Jung Myung-seok's side has appealed, and the appellate trial is ongoing.<ref>{{cite news|last=Oh|first=Young Tae|title=여신도 준강간 혐의 'JMS 정명석 목사' 항소심, 결심 재촉한 검찰 측에 재판부 반응은?|trans-title=What was the court's reaction to the prosecution's urging to conclude the appellate trial of 'JMS Pastor Jung Myung-seok' who is accused of quasi-rape of a female follower?|url=https://www.newsprime.co.kr/news/article/?no=648428|access-date=1 August 2024|newspaper=Prime Economy|date=29 July 2024}}</ref> According to legal sources, Jung Myung-seok's detention period is set to expire on 15 August. Under the Criminal Procedure Act, a defendant detained during the first trial can have their detention extended up to three times during the appeals trial, with each extension lasting two months. However, since all six months have already been used, further extensions are not possible. This means that Jung could be released and stand trial without being detained until the appellate court delivers its verdict. The Daejeon High Court’s Criminal Division 3 initially planned to hold the sentencing hearing on 25 July but has decided to continue the proceedings on 22 August. The prosecution, considering that Jung's detention period would end soon, requested that witness examinations be completed even late at night, but this request was reportedly not accepted. Victims are protesting against Jung's release, and there are allegations that Jung's side intentionally delayed the trial to take advantage of the expiration of the detention period.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kim|first=Seong Hoon|title=징역 23년인데…정명석 풀려나서 호화생활 누리나|trans-title="Despite 23-Year Sentence, Will Jung Myung-seok Be Released to Live in Luxury?"|url=https://biz.heraldcorp.com/view.php?ud=20240730050174|access-date=12 August 2024|newspaper=Herald Economy|date=30 July 2024}}</ref>

The Daejeon District Court's Criminal Division 11 issued an arrest warrant for Jung Myung-seok on 13 August on charges including quasi-rape and violation of the Act on the Punishment of Violence (joint coercion), citing concerns of potential flight risk after completing the warrant review. Jung Myung-seok’s detention period can be renewed twice, in increments of two months each, allowing for a maximum of six months. As a result, Jung Myung-seok will face both the sixth appellate trial scheduled for 22 August and the first trial for another sexual assault case while in custody.<ref>{{cite news|last=Woo|first=Jung Sik|title='여신도 성폭행·강제추행' JMS 정명석, 추가 구속|trans-title=JMS Leader Jung Myung-seok, Additional Arrest for Sexual Assault and Molestation of Female Followers|url=https://www.chosun.com/national/regional/2024/08/13/P6PSL4DVDBDIRMWXITEU2MLP3U/|access-date=14 August 2024|newspaper=Chosun Ilbo|date=13 August 2024}}</ref> The final arguments from Jung Myung-seok's side, along with the court's ruling, are expected to take place during the appellate trial on 6 September.<ref>{{cite news|last=Park|first=In Jae|title=정명석 변호인, "피고인 방어권 보장 위해 변론 준비에 시간 달라"|trans-title=Jung Myung-seok's Defense Attorney Requests More Time to Prepare, Citing Need to Protect Defendant's Right to a Fair Defense|url=http://m.amennews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=20467|access-date=28 August 2024|newspaper=Amen News|date=27 August 2024}}</ref>

Jung Myung-seok was convicted of rape and sexual assault against foreign female followers and initially sentenced to 23 years in prison. In his appeal, however, the court reduced his sentence by six years to 17 years. The victims of Jung Myung-seok, who was sentenced to 17 years in prison, have filed a civil lawsuit against him, seeking 750 million KRW (approximately $570,000) in damages, based on the criminal charges outlined in his trial.<ref>{{cite news|title=JMS 정명석 교주의 성범죄 피해자들, 민사소송 제기|trans-title="Victims of JMS Leader Jung Myung-seok's Sexual Crimes File Civil Lawsuit"|language=ko|url=http://m.amennews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=20613|access-date=11 October 2024|newspaper=Amen News|date=10 October 2024}}</ref> Additional charges are still being tried, and there are around ten ongoing investigations led by the prosecution.<ref>{{cite news|title=JMS 정명석 교주, 3번째로 재판에 넘겨져|trans-title=JMS Leader Jung Myung-seok Indicted for the Third Time|language=ko|url=https://www.amennews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=30116|access-date=3 December 2024|newspaper=Amen News|date=3 December 2024}}</ref> Considering Jung’s age, it appears unlikely that he will be released alive.<ref>{{cite news|last=Park|first=In Jae|title=JMS 정명석 교주, 항소심서 징역 23년→17년으로 감형|trans-title=JMS Leader Jung Myung-seok's Sentence Reduced from 23 to 17 Years in Appeal|language=ko|url=http://m.amennews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=20597|access-date=4 October 2024|newspaper=Amen News|date=2 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title="정명석 감형해 준 항소심 재판부, 어리석은 판단"|trans-title="Appellate Court That Reduced Jung Myung-seok's Sentence Made a Foolish Decision"|language=ko|url=http://m.amennews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=20609|access-date=8 October 2024|newspaper=Amen News|date=8 October 2024}}</ref> 

On 9 January 2025, Jung Myung-seok was sentenced to 17 years in prison by the Supreme Court of South Korea. The Supreme Court's Second Division (Presiding Justice Oh Kyung-mi) upheld the lower court's ruling, confirming the 17-year sentence. The order for 15 years of electronic location tracking also remained unchanged.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kim|first=Jung Su|title=JMS 정명석, 대법원에서 17년 형 확정|trans-title=JMS Leader Jung Myung-seok Sentenced to 17 Years by Supreme Court|language=ko|url=http://www.hdjongkyo.co.kr/m/content/view.html?section=22&category=1003&no=20296|access-date=10 January 2025|newspaper=Modern Religion|date=9 January 2025}}</ref> Meanwhile, the JMS headquarters strongly protested the ruling, expressing regret over the alleged failure to uncover the full truth in a statement titled "The Church's Position on Pastor Jung Myung-seok's Supreme Court Ruling," released immediately after the verdict.<ref>{{cite news|last=Park|first=In Jae|title=정명석 징역 17년 확정에 JMS 신도들 강력 반발|trans-title=JMS Followers Strongly Oppose Jung Myung-seok’s 17-Year Prison Sentence|language=ko|url=https://www.amennews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=30271|access-date=10 January 2025|newspaper=Amen News|date=9 January 2025}}</ref>

It has been revealed that Ryu Jae-bok, a reporter from the internet newspaper ''Jeonggyeong Sisa FOCUS'', which has been consistently known for writing articles in defense of Jeong Myeong-seok, was given priority entry into the courtroom, causing controversy. There are criticisms that this is unfair as equal reporting opportunities were not provided to mainstream Christian media.<ref>{{cite news|last=Park|first=In Jae|title=재판정 좌석독점도 모자라 옹호 기사 써주는 언론사 기자까지 입장시킨 JMS|trans-title=JMS Monopolizes Courtroom Seats and Even Allows Entry to a Reporter from a Supportive News Outlet|url=http://m.amennews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=20430|access-date=16 August 2024|newspaper=Amen News|date=14 August 2024}}</ref>