Editing Grace Road Church

{{short description|South Korean religious movement}}
{{Infobox religion
| name               = Grace Road Church
| image              = 
| imagewidth         = 
| alt                = 
| caption            = 
| abbreviation       = 
| type               = [[Cult]]
| main_classification = [[New religious movement]]
| orientation        = [[Presbyterianism|Presbyterian]]
| scripture          = [[Protestant Bible]]
| theology           = 
| polity             = 
| governance         = 
| structure          = 
| leader_title       = President
| leader_name        = Daniel Kim (son of founder)<ref name=":SOF"> {{cite web |date= 7 September 2023 |title=South Korean cult Grace Road Church members arrested in Fiji
|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66737793?amp%3Bat_campaign=KARANGA |publisher= BBC |access-date= 22 November 2025}} </ref>
| leader_title1      = 
| leader_name1       = 
| leader_title2      = 
| leader_name2       = 
| fellowships_type   = 
| fellowships        = 
| fellowships_type1  = 
| fellowships1       = 
| associations       = 
| area               = [[South Korea]], [[Fiji]]
| headquarters       = 
| founder            = Shin Ok-ju
| founded_date       = 2002
| founded_place      = 
| separated_from     = [[Presbyterian Church of Korea (TongHap)|TongHap]]
| parent             = 
| merger             = 
| absorbed           = 
| separations        = 
| merged_into        = 
| defunct            = 
| congregations_type = 
| congregations      = 
| members            = ~1000
| ministers_type     = 
| ministers          = 
| missionaries       = 
| temples            = 
| hospitals          = 
| nursing_homes      = 
| aid                = 
| primary_schools    = 
| secondary_schools  = 
| tertiary           = 
| other_names        = 
| publications       = 
| footnotes          = 
}}

The '''Grace Road Church''' ({{Korean|hangul=은혜로교회}}) is a [[South Korea]]n quasi-Christian [[new religious movement]] and [[cult]] founded in 2002 and based in [[Fiji]] since 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/363988/fiji-govt-tight-lipped-on-links-to-korean-cult-accused-of-slavery|title = Fiji govt tight-lipped on links to Korean cult accused of slavery| website=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date = 13 August 2018}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> The Grace Road Church was founded by Pastor Shin Ok-ju. In August 2009, Shin Ok-ju established the "Paul Apostolic Academy", which later became The Grace Road Church.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hdjongkyo.co.kr/news/view.html?section=22&category=1004&item=&no=14664 |title=은혜로교회 신옥주 목사, 점입가경(漸入佳境) |access-date=24 June 2024 |date=16 November 2015 |publisher=Modern Religion Monthly }}</ref>

==Church==
===Fiji===
Those who study the church claim it shares many similarities with other Korean cults. A belief of obedience to the religious leader, a group-specific interpretation of the Bible, and teaching of the imminent coming of [[Jesus|Jesus Christ]], with a provision of the place for the final shelter.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=2018-08-13 |title=Fiji govt tight-lipped on links to Korean cult accused of slavery |url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/363988/fiji-govt-tight-lipped-on-links-to-korean-cult-accused-of-slavery |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919185135/https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/363988/fiji-govt-tight-lipped-on-links-to-korean-cult-accused-of-slavery |archive-date=2018-09-19 |access-date=2018-09-19 |work=Radio New Zealand |language=en-nz}}</ref> The group became increasingly scrutinized by the Korea's Christian circles, and was in 2014 officially isolated as a heresy group.<ref name=":0" />

According to the group's website, a missionary for the church was sent around the world to discover a land to survive the famine and, after scouting 60 countries, settled on Fiji.<ref name=":0" /> The group and its leader believe that Fiji is the so-called "center of the world as promised in the Bible" and moved there in 2014. After the members arrived in Fiji, all of the 400 followers<ref>{{Cite web |title=Six South Korean Nationals Released {{!}} Fiji Sun |url=http://fijisun.com.fj/2018/08/17/six-south-korean-nationals-released/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920015713/http://fijisun.com.fj/2018/08/17/six-south-korean-nationals-released/ |archive-date=2018-09-20 |access-date=2018-09-19 |website=fijisun.com.fj |language=en-US}}</ref> passports were allegedly seized.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |title=Grace Road investigations continue |url=http://www.fijitimes.com/grace-road-investigations-continue/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920011333/http://www.fijitimes.com/grace-road-investigations-continue/ |archive-date=2018-09-20 |access-date=2018-09-19 |work=FijiTimes |language=en}}</ref> Mainstream churches in Fiji have reportedly raised accusations against the church for being a cult for years. A spokesman for the local Methodist Church told reporters, "I think it's common knowledge here that the movement is a cult movement...".<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |date=2018-09-10 |title='That's when I freaked out': Former member tells of life inside Fiji 'cult' |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-09-10/former-grace-road-church-member-speaks-out-at-abuse-from-leader/10219266 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918185022/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-09-10/former-grace-road-church-member-speaks-out-at-abuse-from-leader/10219266 |archive-date=2018-09-18 |access-date=2018-09-19 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref>

=== Investigations, allegations of abuse and arrests<!--The trial and judgement for this seems rather confusing. It seems like there are different trial and appeal going on for different charges. If anyone can read Korean, verify news and timeline the process correctly would be appreciated--> ===
In 2014, Shin was sued for $6 million by a man with [[schizophrenia]] who alleged that she oversaw an attempt to cure him of his mental illness with prayer. The lawsuit alleged that she supervised the religious cleansing of the defendant by binding him with [[duct tape]], and depriving him of his medication for 10 days, ultimately causing him to lose his leg due to [[gangrene]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Marzulli |first=John |title=Church pastor sued for $6M for allegedly using prayer to cure man's mental illness, resulting in him losing his leg - NY Daily News |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/pastor-religious-cleansing-made-lose-leg-lawsuit-article-1.2041312 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917143507/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/pastor-religious-cleansing-made-lose-leg-lawsuit-article-1.2041312 |archive-date=2018-09-17 |access-date=2018-09-17 |work=nydailynews.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2018, footage has emerged of the Church's followers forcibly slapping each other, supposedly to beat the [[Devil]] out of each other.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lyons |first=Kate |date=2018-09-17 |title=Shocking video shows pastor beating followers of South Korean cult |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/sep/17/shocking-video-shows-pastor-beating-followers-of-south-korean-cult |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917043130/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/sep/17/shocking-video-shows-pastor-beating-followers-of-south-korean-cult |archive-date=2018-09-17 |access-date=2018-09-17 |website=[[The Guardian]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Haas |first=Benjamin |date=2018-08-01 |title=South Korean cult leader arrested after stranding 400 followers in Fiji |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/aug/01/south-korean-cult-leader-arrested-after-stranding-400-followers-in-fiji |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917181852/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/aug/01/south-korean-cult-leader-arrested-after-stranding-400-followers-in-fiji |archive-date=2018-09-17 |access-date=2018-09-17 |website=the Guardian |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> In a documentary aired in South Korea, testimony of ex-church members detailed allegations of physical abuse and overwork. Pastor Shin Ok-ju and other members would surround individuals and beat them.<ref name=":5" /> These public beatings are known as "ground threshings".<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-09-07 |title=Fiji to deport members of South Korean 'cult' |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/australianz/fiji-to-deport-members-of-south-korean-cult |access-date=2025-11-22 |work=The Straits Times |language=en |issn=0585-3923}}</ref> In July, three of its members were arrested after arriving at [[Incheon International Airport|Incheon Airport]] in [[Seoul]].<ref name=":1" /> In August, investigations into the group after the arrest of the group's founder, including allegations of incarceration, assault, and the exploitation of foreign currency, were continued by Korean police. On 14 August, the church headquarters in [[Navua]] were raided by Korean police, the Department of Immigration, and Fijian police.<ref name=":1" /> After the raid followers of the church were offered [[consular assistance]].<ref name=":3" />

On 30 July 2019, it was announced that Shin was found guilty and sentenced to six years' imprisonment.<ref>{{Cite web |last=EDT |first=Brendan Cole On 7/30/19 at 7:55 AM |date=2019-07-30 |title=Cult leader who made son beat his father "100 to 200 times" sentenced for torturing followers in barbaric rituals |url=https://www.newsweek.com/south-korea-cult-grace-shin-ok-ju-1451685 |access-date=2019-07-30 |website=Newsweek |language=en}}</ref> In 2020 upon appeal, Shin Ok-ju sentence is increased to 7-year prison for charges of joint injury, special assault, special confinement, fraud, abandonment and neglect of children, and [[child abuse]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Choi |first=Woo Ri |date=27 February 2020 |title=‘신도 폭행’ 은혜로교회 신옥주 목사 징역 7년 확정 |trans-title=Pastor Shin Ok-ju of Grace Road Church Sentenced to 7 Years for ‘Assaulting Followers’ |url=https://www.hani.co.kr/arti/society/society_general/930124.html |access-date=16 January 2025 |newspaper=Hankyoreh |language=ko}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{cite news |last=Kim |first=Hyun Bin |date=7 December 2024 |title=은혜로교회 신옥주, 항소심에서 징역 10년 구형 |trans-title=Shin Ok-ju of Grace Road Church Faces 10-Year Prison Sentence in Appeal Trial |url=http://www.hdjongkyo.co.kr/m/content/view.html?section=22&category=1004&no=20242 |access-date=9 December 2024 |newspaper=Modern Religion |language=ko}}</ref>

In 2024, an escaped member revealed that they had suffered eight years of assault and forced labor. Additionally, the church is being investigated by Fijian authorities for interfering in the passport issuance of members' families and for legal violations by its affiliated businesses.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kim |first=Hyun Bin |date=12 February 2025 |title=은혜로교회 동향 |trans-title=Trends of Grace Road Church |url=http://www.hdjongkyo.co.kr/m/content/view.html?section=22&category=1004&no=20341 |access-date=13 February 2025 |newspaper=Modern Religion |language=ko}}</ref> On 6 December 2024, during an appeal, Shin faced strong protests from victims as she repeatedly presented the unfounded argument that she did not use the "threshing floor" beatings as a means of controlling church members.<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Park |first=In Jae |date=8 December 2024 |title=신옥주 변호인, "타작마당은 교인통제 수단 아니다" 궤변 |trans-title=Shin Ok-ju's Lawyer Claims, "Ta-jak-ma-dang Is Not a Means of Controlling Church Members" |url=https://www.amennews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=30144 |access-date=9 December 2024 |newspaper=Amen News |language=ko}}</ref> 

In January 2025, the appeals trial sentencing hearing for Shin Ok-ju and five members, the court reduced and sentenced Shin Ok-Ju's to four years and six months in prison. Mr. Shin to a reduction of six months from two years' imprisonment in the first instance, and Mr. Kwon to one year and six months' imprisonment with a reduction of two years' imprisonment from three years' imprisonment in the first instance.<ref>{{cite news |last=Park |first=In Jae |date=15 January 2025 |title=은혜로교회 신옥주, 항소심서 징역 4년 6월로 감형 |trans-title=Shin Ok-ju of Grace Road Church Has Sentence Reduced to 4 Years and 6 Months on Appeal |url=https://www.amennews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=30299 |access-date=16 January 2025 |newspaper=Amen News |language=ko}}</ref>

In December 2025, the [[U.S. State Department]] alleged that the Grace Road Church was involved in human trafficking following the escape of at least four US citizens including two children from the sect. On 15 December, the State Department threatened to downgrade Fiji to a "Tier 3" ranking unless the Fijian government took action against the Grace Road Church, which would lead to a significant reduction in US aid to Fiji.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Belford |first1=Aubrey |last2=Radinibaravi |first2=Meri |title=US Aid to Fiji at Risk Over Impunity for Doomsday Cult |url=https://www.occrp.org/en/scoop/us-threatens-to-cut-fiji-aid-over-impunity-for-doomsday-cult |publisher=[[Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Group]] |access-date=18 December 2025 |date=15 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251218035157/https://www.occrp.org/en/scoop/us-threatens-to-cut-fiji-aid-over-impunity-for-doomsday-cult|archive-date=18 December 2025|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Rovoi |first1=Christine |title=US warns Fiji over human trafficking concerns linked to Grace Road Group |url=https://pmn.co.nz/read/pacific-region/us-warns-fiji-over-human-trafficking-concerns |access-date=18 December 2025 |work=[[Pacific Media Network]] |date=17 December 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251218034749/https://pmn.co.nz/read/pacific-region/us-warns-fiji-over-human-trafficking-concerns|archive-date=18 December 2025|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Corporate ==
Since arriving in Fiji in 2014, the church has formed a conglomerate, Grace Road Group (GRG).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-21 |title=South Korean church’s practices in spotlight as Fiji steps up crackdown |url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3242247/south-korean-cult-fiji-grace-road-church-business-practices-under-scrutiny-over-forced-labour |access-date=2025-11-22 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}</ref> The church raises funds using the GRG, which opened various businesses across Fiji ranging from construction to agriculture stores.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/03/asia/south-korea-grace-road-church-fiji-intl/index.html|title=Stranded in paradise: How hundreds of parishioners of a notorious South Korean church ended up stuck in Fiji|author1=Joshua Berlinger |author2 = Yoonjung Seo|publisher=CNN|access-date=2018-09-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920011323/https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/03/asia/south-korea-grace-road-church-fiji-intl/index.html|archive-date=2018-09-20|url-status=live}}</ref> The company employed at least 300 Koreans and 100 Fijians in August 2018. The businesses opened by the group include restaurant chains, beauty salons, a construction firm, a [[hardware store]], and a farm in partnership with the [[Fiji National University]].<ref name=":4">{{Cite news|url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/364287/call-for-explanation-over-grace-road-workers-in-fiji|title=Call for explanation over Grace Road workers in Fiji|date=2018-08-17|work=Radio New Zealand|access-date=2018-09-19|language=en-nz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920011151/https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/364287/call-for-explanation-over-grace-road-workers-in-fiji|archive-date=2018-09-20|url-status=live}}</ref>

A statement from the organization claims that the allegations against Shin were false and "have gone too far."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://fijisun.com.fj/2018/08/03/police-given-the-go-ahead-to-probe-allegations-on-grace-road-leader/|title=Police Given The Go Ahead To Probe Allegations On Grace Road Leader {{!}} Fiji Sun|website=fijisun.com.fj|language=en-US|access-date=2018-09-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920011013/http://fijisun.com.fj/2018/08/03/police-given-the-go-ahead-to-probe-allegations-on-grace-road-leader/|archive-date=2018-09-20|url-status=live}}</ref> The statement continued with, "GR Group family, who have been working proudly as owners are very enraged by all the lies...Those who wish to slander us have created unspeakable lies about passport confiscation, forced labor, incarceration, and violence."<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.fijitimes.com/grace-road-brushes-allegations-aside/|title=Grace Road brushes allegations aside|work=FijiTimes|access-date=2018-09-19|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920011004/http://www.fijitimes.com/grace-road-brushes-allegations-aside/|archive-date=2018-09-20|url-status=live}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:2002 establishments in South Korea]]
[[Category:Christian new religious movements]]
[[Category:Korean new religions]]
[[Category:Religion in Fiji]]
[[Category:Christian organizations established in 2002]]
[[Category:Apocalyptic groups]]