Editing Providence (religious movement)

{{Short description|Christian new religious movement}}
{{redirect|Peace model|the interrogation technique|PEACE method of interrogation}}
{{protection padlock|small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2016}}
{{Infobox religion
| name                = Christian Gospel Mission<br />{{nobold|{{lang|ko-Hang|기독교복음선교회}}}}<br />{{Small|Providence}}
| image               = Providence (religious movement) (aka Christian Gospel Mission) logo.jpg
| imagewidth          =
| alt                 =
| caption             =
| abbreviation        = CGM
| type                =
| main_classification = Christian [[new religious movement]]
| orientation         =
| scripture           =
| theology            =
| polity              =
| governance          =
| structure           =
| leader_title        = Head Pastor
| leader_name         = [[Jung Myung-seok]]
| leader_title1       =
| leader_name1        =
| leader_title2       =
| leader_name2        =
| fellowships         =
| associations        =
| area                =
| headquarters        = [[Wolmyeongdong]]
| founder             = [[Jung Myung-seok]]
| founded_date        = 1980
| founded_place       = [[Seoul]], [[South Korea]]
| separated_from      = [[Unification movement]]<br />[[Methodism]]
| parent              =
| merger              =
| absorbed            =
| separations         =
| merged_into         =
| defunct             =
| hospitals           =
| nursing_homes       =
| aid                 =
| congregations       =
| members             = <!-- or | number_of_followers = -->
| ministers           =
| missionaries        =
| temples             =
| primary_schools     =
| secondary_schools   =
| tax_status          =
| tertiary            =
| other_names         = {{Plainlist|* Setsuri
* Bright Moon Church
* Morning Star Church
* Jesus Morning Star (JMS)
}}
| publications        =
| website             = {{URL|cgm.or.kr}}
| footnotes           =
}}
{{Infobox Korean name
| title     = Christian Gospel Mission
| hangul    = 기독교복음선교회
| hanja     = 基督敎福音宣敎會
| rr        = gidokgyobogeumseongyohoe
| mr        = kidokkyobogŭmsŏn'gyohoe
| koreanipa =
| context   =
| image     =
| caption   =
}}

'''Providence''' (officially '''Christian Gospel Mission'''; {{Korean|hangul=기독교복음선교회}}), better known as '''JMS''' (acronym of '''Jesus Morning Star'''),<ref>{{Cite news |date=2008-08-12 |title=South Korean religious sect leader jailed for rape |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-korea-sect-idUSSEO9345720080812 |access-date=2023-03-07 |archive-date=December 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219031716/http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/08/12/us-korea-sect-idUSSEO9345720080812 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2022-10-05 |title=South Korean religious leader accused of 'quasi-raping' Hong Kong woman |url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3194868/south-korea-arrests-77-year-old-religious-leader-quasi-raping-hong |access-date=2023-03-07 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219141957/https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3194868/south-korea-arrests-77-year-old-religious-leader-quasi-raping-hong |url-status=live }}</ref> is a Christian [[new religious movement]] founded by [[Jung Myung-seok]] in 1980 and headquartered in Wol Myeong-dong, South Korea. Providence has been widely referred to by international media as a [[cult]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-11-22 |title=On a mission from God: South Korea's many cults |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20181122-mission-god-south-koreas-many-cults |access-date=2023-03-07 |website=France 24 |language=en |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108114908/https://www.france24.com/en/20181122-mission-god-south-koreas-many-cults |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ser |first=Myo-ja |date=2008-08-12 |title=JMS cult leader is convicted of rape |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2008/08/12/socialAffairs/JMS-cult-leader-is-convicted-of-rape/2893596.html |access-date=2023-03-07 |website=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]] |language=en |archive-date=March 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307111547/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2008/08/12/socialAffairs/JMS-cult-leader-is-convicted-of-rape/2893596.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-02-21 |title=Cult Leader Extradited to Korea |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2023/03/113_19368.html |access-date=2023-03-07 |website=[[The Korea Times]] |language=en |archive-date=March 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307111550/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2023/03/113_19368.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2017-12-10 |title=Sex, cults and the bizarre world of Providence leader Jeong Myeong-seok |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-11/the-bizarre-world-of-providence-cult-and-its-leader-jms/9224564 |access-date=2023-03-07 |archive-date=August 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814160536/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-11/the-bizarre-world-of-providence-cult-and-its-leader-jms/9224564 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sect targets Kiwi brides for rapist |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/kiwi-women-targeted-by-religious-group-hunting-brides-for-convicted-rapist/YBK4FUMYSIHXSOIVWLL7MJSL5Y/ |access-date=2023-03-07 |website=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |language=en-NZ |archive-date=November 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221122222326/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/kiwi-women-targeted-by-religious-group-hunting-brides-for-convicted-rapist/YBK4FUMYSIHXSOIVWLL7MJSL5Y/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-05-23 |title=韩国邪教教主郑明析在华落网 |trans-title=Korean Cult Leader Zheng Mingxi Arrested in China |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/hqgj/2007-05/23/content_878161.htm |access-date=2023-03-07 |website=[[China Daily]] |archive-date=March 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307111553/https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/hqgj/2007-05/23/content_878161.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-11-04 |title=South Korea: A cult history |url=https://www.todayonline.com/world/asia/south-korea-cult-history |access-date=2023-03-07 |website=TODAY |language=en |archive-date=August 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815102231/https://www.todayonline.com/world/asia/south-korea-cult-history |url-status=live }}</ref>

In April 2009, the leader Jung Myung-seok (also transliterated as Jeong Myeong-seok) was convicted of rape by the [[Supreme Court of Korea]] and was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. Jung was released on 18 February 2018.<ref>{{cite news
| url          = https://www.noted.co.nz/currently/social-issues/cults-nz-providence-infiltrate-nz/
| title        = The cult that's infiltrated NZ schools, campuses and churches
| work         = NOTED
| 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 = October 7, 2018
| url-status     = live
| df           = mdy-all
}}</ref> Following Jung's release from prison, the Korea Post reported that the Providence faith movement had reached more than 70 countries.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-02-14|title=VISIT WOLMYEONGDONG, THE CENTER OF PROVIDENCE, GOD'S NEW HISTORY|url=http://www.koreapost.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=20307|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621210144/http://www.koreapost.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=20307|archive-date=June 21, 2020|access-date=2020-06-19|website=The Korea Post|language=ko}}</ref> However, Jung would again be indicted on rape in October 2022 and sentenced by the Supreme Court of in January 2025 to 17 years imprisonment.<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 |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=jungconviction>{{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=23 September 2025|newspaper=Modern Religion|date=9 January 2025}}</ref>

Providence has also been called Setsuri ({{Langx|ja|摂理}}), International Christian Association (ICA; {{Korean|hangul=국제크리스천연합|labels=no}}), the Morning Star Church (MS Church), the Bright Moon Church, and Ae-chun Church ({{Korean|hangul=애천교회|hanja=愛天敎會|labels=no}}).

== History ==
In the 1970s, Jung was a member of the [[Unification Church]] (UC), whose teaching his resembles.<ref name="luca">{{Harvnb|Luca|1997|pp=14–}}: "On y apprend que JMS est un ancien adepte de la 'secte Moon'".</ref><ref name="luca-article">{{cite web
| url          = http://www.cnrs.fr/Cnrspresse/n400/html/en400foot03.htm
| title        = After the Moon sect: South Korea and indoctrination through the sacred game of football
| publisher    = [[CNRS]]
| last         = Luca
| first        = Nathalie
| author-link   = Nathalie Luca
| date         = March 2002
| access-date   = February 27, 2008
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20051019143435/http://www.cnrs.fr/Cnrspresse/n400/html/en400foot03.htm
| archive-date = October 19, 2005
| url-status     = dead
| df           = mdy-all
}}</ref><ref>{{Harvnb|Sakurai|2007b}}: "{{Nihongo2|1975-77年の間に統一教（統一教会）に関わった。そのために、摂理の教義は統一教会の教義とかなり似通ったものになっている.}} (From 1975 to 1978 he was involved with the Unification Church. For this reason, Providence's teachings resemble the Unification Church quite closely.)"</ref> In 1980, Jung founded the Ae-chun Church ({{Korean|labels=no|애천교회}}), which was affiliated with the [[Methodist Church]].<ref name="cheung-southchinamorningpost" /><ref>{{Cite news
| author       = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->
| script-title = ja:監禁、傷害での立件視野]. "世界基督教統一神霊協会（統一教会）を脱会した韓国人の鄭明析教祖が1980年ごろに設立した宗教集団
| language     = ja
| trans-title  = Foreseeable indictment on confinement and bodily harm
| newspaper    = [[Chunichi Shimbun]]
| date         = February 17, 2007
| url          = http://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/00/sya/20070217/eve_____sya_____001.shtml
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20070225213503/http://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/00/sya/20070217/eve_____sya_____001.shtml
| archive-date = February 25, 2007
| access-date   = April 6, 2015
}}</ref> In 1983, Jung Myung-seok forged a diploma from the Korea Bible Correspondence School and joined the Jesus Korea Methodist Church, changing its name to Jesus Korea Methodist Aechun Church. In the same year, he launched the World Youth University MS Union and called himself JESUS MORNING STAR (JMS).<ref>{{cite news|last=Yang|first=Song Hee|title=검사, 의사까지 몽땅 홀려… '미혹 만렙' JMS 해부|trans-title=Prosecutors, Doctors, All Enchanted... 'Alluring Master' JMS Under Scrutiny|url=https://mjb.nocutnews.co.kr/news/5911320|access-date=11 July 2024|newspaper=Nocut News Jeonbuk|date=17 March 2023}}</ref>

The name was changed to the International Christian Association ({{lang|ko-Hang|국제크리스천연합}}) in the mid-1980s. A rift occurred in the group in 1986, when the vice president of Providence attempted to act on the sex scandals surrounding the group, but he was shut out of the organizational system and Jung consolidated all power around himself.{{sfnp|Hyundae Jongyo|2002}}

In October 1999 the organization changed its name to Christian Gospel Mission ({{lang|ko-Hang|기독교복음선교회}}).<ref name="cheung-southchinamorningpost" />{{sfnp|Hyundae Jongyo|2007}}

== Theology ==
Jung Myung Seok set up Providence in 1980 as a breakaway sect from the UC.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.france24.com/en/20181122-mission-god-south-koreas-many-cults | title=On a mission from God: South Korea's many cults | date=November 22, 2018 | access-date=September 29, 2020 | archive-date=November 8, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108114908/https://www.france24.com/en/20181122-mission-god-south-koreas-many-cults | url-status=live }}</ref> Providence's core teaching are found in a series of unpublished [[precept]]s called the ''30 Lessons'',{{efn|name="lesson-levels"}} which bear considerable resemblance to the ''"[[Divine Principle]]"'' of the Unification movement,<ref name="luca" /><ref name="kyodo" />{{sfnp|Sakurai|2007b|}}<ref name="hyundae_jongyo7" /><ref name="sim_chaeng-seop1997" /> which are partly inspired by teachings of {{ill|Kim Baek-moon|ko|김백문}}, including his book ''The Fundamental Principles of Christianity'' (基督教根本原理 drafted March 2, 1946, published March 2, 1958).<ref name="kkg">{{Cite web |date=2021-09-10 |title=김백문의 기독교근본원리 연재 1 – 국역 서론 |url=http://www.kportalnews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=20749 |access-date=2022-08-09 |website=기독교포털뉴스 |language=ko}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=교회와신앙 |url=http://www.amennews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=8687 |access-date=2022-08-09 |website=www.amennews.com| date=July 7, 2008 }}</ref><ref>[https://iss.ndl.go.jp/books/R100000002-I000001449787-00 "淫教のメシア・文鮮明伝" 萩原遼編]</ref> According to Tahk Myeong-hwan, nine of the 30 lessons exhibit a "considerable level of resemblance" with the ''Divine Principle''.{{sfnp|Sakurai|2006|p=143–144|ps= : "{{Nihongo2|研究家、卓明煥『キリスト教異端研究』(1986)によれば..14,17,19,20,26,27,28,29,30 の各章に統一教会の『原理講論』と相当程度の類似がある.}}(According to Tahk Myeong-hwan, ''Study of Christian cults'' (1986)..  chapters 14, 17, 19, 20, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 contain considerable levels of similarity with the UC's "The Divine Principle")}}<ref>{{Harvnb|Tahk|1986|loc=기독교 이단 연구 [Study on Christian cults]}}</ref> The lessons are based on a [[numerology|numerological]] interpretation which identifies the sect's leader as the Second Coming of Christ.<ref name="cheung-southchinamorningpost">{{cite news
| author       = Cheung Chi-fai
| url          = https://www.scmp.com/article/423407/wanted-cult-leader-may-be-repatriated-south-korea
| title        = Wanted cult leader may be repatriated to South Korea
| work         = South China Morning Post
| date         = July 31, 2003
| access-date   = March 1, 2014
| quote        = Mr Jung founded the so-called Ae-Chun Church in 1980 and it became affiliated with the Methodist Church. The church was later expelled from the Christian body and he changed its name to the International Christian Association. Mr Jung also wrote the '30 lessons', which criticise Christian teachings and beliefs and end with his adopting the role of Jesus Christ at the second coming.
| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140308033810/http://www.scmp.com/article/423407/wanted-cult-leader-may-be-repatriated-south-korea
| archive-date = March 8, 2014
| url-status= live
| df= mdy-all
}}</ref><ref name="Theological-critique">{{cite news
| last= Chong
| first = Sin-dae ({{lang|ko-Hang|총신대 }}) |url=http://www.kportalnews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=13006 |script-title=ko:정명석에 대한 신학적 비판 |language=ko |trans-title=Theological critique of Jeongmyeongseok |work = Cult Research Committee |publisher = Christian Portal News |date = July 4, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316092909/http://www.kportalnews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=13006 |archive-date = March 16, 2015 |access-date = August 24, 2015 }}</ref><ref name="Tahk 1986 120">{{Harvnb|Tahk|1986|p=120}}</ref>

One lesson implies that those who do not "meet" him will not go to Heaven; another that any who betray him are committing a grave crime.{{sfnp|Sakurai|2007c|p=4|ps= : Lessons 20 and 22}} During the instruction of the advanced level{{efn|name=lesson-levels}} of the ''30 Lessons'', it is taught that Jung is the [[Messiah]], proven through the numerological interpretation of prophesied dates and times in the book of Daniel,{{sfnp|Sakurai|2007c|p=7|ps=: :"{{Nihongo2|2.4 再臨主の弁証 - ...688 ＋ 1290(ダニエル書12:11,日を年に換算)= 1978 年。第二イスラエル民族の霊的開放。鄭明析が伝道を開始した。だから，鄭明析こそ，再臨のメシアに他ならないという.}}(2.4 Proof of Messiah... 688 + 1290 ([[Book of Daniel|Daniel]] 12:11, days converted to years) = Year 1978. The spirial emancipation of the Second Israelites. Jung Myung-seok initiated its evangelism. Therefore, Jung Myung-seok can be none other than the Second Coming of the Savior, so they say."}} although more recent statements from a representative seems to contradict this claim.<ref name=":0">{{cite web
| last         = Tozer
| first        = Joel
| url          = https://www.scribd.com/doc/217192865/Extracts-of-Correspondence-With-Providence-Representative-in-South-Korea
| title        = Extracts of Correspondence With Providence Representative in South Korea
| publisher    = Scribd.com
| date         = April 9, 2014
| access-date   = August 31, 2015
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20150831134650/http://www.scribd.com/doc/217192865/Extracts-of-Correspondence-With-Providence-Representative-in-South-Korea
| archive-date = August 31, 2015
| url-status     = live
| df           = mdy-all
}}</ref>

Like the UC, Providence preaches the advent of the "Complete Testament Era" ({{Hanja|成約時代}}). Providence furthermore allegorize the relationship between God and man to that between the groom and bride, or two lovers.{{sfnp|Sakurai|2007c|pp=5–6}} While both UC and Providence teach that [[original sin]] was caused by Eve's intercourse with the fallen angel, who turned into [[Satan]]. Providence teaches this can be redeemed by having sex with Jung Myung-seok.{{sfnp|Sakurai|2007a|p=140}}{{sfnp|Sakurai|2007c|pp=5–6}}{{Refn|name="jo_geong-suk"|Also stated by Jo Gyeong-suk, former head of the Seoul Branch of Providence, and allegedly a victim herself.<ref name="Christian-times-mushrooms" /><ref name="newsnjoy-jeong-naked" />}} Jung was found to have forced female followers to have sex with him "as a religious behaviour meant to save their souls" in the Korean Court of Law.{{efn|[[Supreme Court of Korea]] civil suit ruling, January 2008}}<ref name="yonhap2008" /> Former members have stated or testified that young and attractive women were presented to Jung as "sexual gifts", with whom he coercively engaged in sexual acts, which was explained to them as a [[Ritual purification|purification rite]].{{efn|[[Seoul Central District Court]], criminal trial, 2008. And statements reported in media, 2007.}}<ref name="kang-koreatimes">{{cite news
| last        = Kang
| first       = Shin-who
| url         = https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2007/05/117_2823.html
| title       = Suspect of Cult Founder Arrested in China
| work        = [[The Korea Times]]
| date        = May 13, 2007
| access-date  = February 27, 2008
| url-status  = live
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20070913080827/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2007/05/117_2823.html
| archive-date = September 13, 2007
}}</ref><ref name="reuters1">{{cite news
| last         = Herskovitz
| first        = Jon
| url          = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-korea-sect-idUSSEO9345720080812
| title        = South Korean religious sect leader jailed for rape
| work       = Reuters
| date         = August 12, 2008
| access-date   = December 18, 2013
| quote        = A South Korean court yesterday sentenced Jung Myung-seok, the leader of a fringe religious sect, to six years in jail for raping female followers, a court official said. ... Former members have told the Seoul court that young and attractive women were presented to Jung as "gifts" and he forced them into sex as a part of a purification ritual.
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20131219031716/http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/08/12/us-korea-sect-idUSSEO9345720080812
| archive-date = December 19, 2013
| url-status     = live
| df           = mdy-all
}}</ref>

Although some of the teachings are a carefully guarded secret within the sect, scholars such as {{interlanguage link|Yoshihide Sakurai|ja|櫻井義秀}} who analyzed and summarized the sect's beliefs relied on documented testimonies as well as interviews with ex-members that included victims.{{sfnp|Sakurai|2007c|p=5}} He obtained notes from ex-members which were used in the "bible study", as instructions in the ''30 lessons'' were conventionally called within the sect.{{sfnp|Sakurai|2007c|p=5}}

== Recruitment ==
Initiates into the sect are initially approached by being invited into an "activity circle", i.e., sports or music clubs in school. The inductees learn only later when taken to "bible study" that religion constitutes part of the "circle" activity.{{sfnp|Sakurai|2006|p=145}} In this manner, Providence forms non-religious organisations for the purpose of attracting young people without initially revealing the religious nature of the group or their real motives,<ref name="asahi-cult-nihon-2000" /><ref name="ucsd-guardian" /><ref>{{cite news
| url          = http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/sport/archives/2002/06/13/0000140221
| title        = Smiling a serious business in South Korea
| newspaper    = Taipei Times
| date         = September 5, 2015
| access-date   = September 12, 2015
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20160119041105/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/sport/archives/2002/06/13/0000140221
| archive-date = January 19, 2016
| url-status     = live
| df           = mdy-all
}}</ref>{{efn|name="another-problem-cult"}} a practice ruled "fraudulent" under law by the [[Supreme Court of Japan|Japanese Supreme Court]].{{sfnp|Sakurai|2007a|p=140}}<ref>{{cite news
| url         = http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200607310108.html
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20131227161228/http://www.icsahome.com/view_document.asp?ID=38296
| title       = Cult aimed at elite in 50 universities
| work        = [[Asahi Shimbun]]
| date        = July 31, 2006
| archive-date = December 27, 2013
| access-date  = April 6, 2014
| quote       = Ex-members say recruiting on campus started on Jung's orders in the mid-1990s. "It's a fraudulent activity, as they conceal the group's identity in luring members," a lawyer said. An ex-member in his 30s said he and other cultists were deprived of sleep--forced to work late into the night and then wake up early to listen to Jung's videotaped preaching.
}}</ref>{{Refn|group="lower-alpha"|Front groups for Providence/Christian Gospel Mission include: Bright Smile Movement (BSM), China Christian Youth Association (CCYA), Global Association of Culture and Peace (GACP), International Cultural Exchange (ICE), International Culture Interchange Association (ICIA), IOCA, IOCA Modeling, Korean International Cultural Society (KICS), Peace Model Korea (PMK), Peace Model USA (PMUSA), Providence Vision Project (PVP), Sky Soccer, United Culture and Arts Network (UCAN), VIA 3, World Peace Model, Youth Developer Group (YDG)<ref name="apologeticsindex">{{cite web
| url          = http://www.apologeticsindex.org/416-jung-myung-seok
| title        = Jung Myung Seok / Providence
| author       = The Apologetics Index
| date         = December 31, 2006
| access-date  = January 16, 2014
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20131105132046/http://www.apologeticsindex.org/416-jung-myung-seok
| archive-date = November 5, 2013
| url-status     = live
| df           = mdy-all
}}</ref>}}

== Outside of Korea ==
Christian Gospel Mission is proselytizing under different names in different regions. ''Providence'' or ''Providence Church'' in Europe and the US, ''Setsuri'' ({{Nihongo2|摂理}}, Japanese for "[[Divine providence|providence]]") in Japan, the ''Bright Moon Church'', the ''Morning Star Church'', and ''Jesus Morning Star'' (JMS). Each church branch that follows Jung's teaching keeps its own name (e.g. Nak-seong-dae Church, Seoul Church, etc.).<ref name="Tahk 1986 120" /><ref name="apologeticsindex" /><ref>{{cite journal |last=Sin |first=Ho-cheol (신호철) |date=April 23, 2006 |script-title=ko:검사가 정명석 돕고 있다? |trans-title=Is prosecution assisting Jung Myeong-suk? |url=http://m.sisapress.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=32628 |url-status=live |journal=시사 저널 |trans-journal=[[Sisa Journal]] |language=ko |issue=862 |pages=142–149 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925154419/http://m.sisapress.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=32628 |archive-date=September 25, 2015 |access-date=September 14, 2015 |df=mdy-all}}<!--https://books.google.com/books?id=Brw2AQAAIAAJ --></ref> While leader Jung Myung Seok was on the run since 1999, due to sexual assault exposes and civil lawsuits filed in South Korea, Japan and Taiwan, Providence, then known mostly as JMS, continued publishing Jung's sermons online, providing telephone counseling and holding overseas events for their followers.<ref name=":3">{{cite news |date=May 22, 2007 |script-title=zh:韩国"淫乱教主"郑明析中国落网 |language=zh-hans |trans-title=South Korean 'promiscuous guru' Jung Myung-seok to be apprehended in China |journal=[[Xinhua News Agency]] |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/world/2007-05/22/content_6135125.htm |url-status=dead |access-date=September 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151101052154/http://news.xinhuanet.com/world/2007-05/22/content_6135125.htm |archive-date=November 1, 2015 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2018-02-21 |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=2023-03-08 |website=[[Kukmin Ilbo]] |language=en}}</ref> During his incarceration between 2008 and 2018, Jung's sermons and directives were delivered through visitors to the prison and through his successor Kim Ji Seon.<ref name=":4" />

=== Australia ===
Providence began operating in Australia during 1997. Members of Providence have reported to been actively recruiting for new members at the [[Australian National University]]. In April 2014, the Australian government-funded television network [[Special Broadcasting Service]] reported on their activities in Australia, including statements by former members that they sought young attractive women. Providence refused numerous requests for a spokesperson to be interviewed for the program in Australia and Korea. The organization's Chief of External Affairs denied in writing to answer specific questions about the group's Australian activities. He stated that it had [[Charitable organization#Australia|charitable status]] for tax purposes.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web
| url          = http://www.kportalnews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=12929
| script-title = ko:"성폭행범이 이끄는 한국의 밀교" - 기독교포털뉴스
| publisher    = Kportalnews.co.kr
| date         = April 10, 2014
| access-date   = August 31, 2015
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20160119041105/http://www.kportalnews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=12929
| archive-date = January 19, 2016
| url-status     = live
| df           = mdy-all
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| last         = Tozer
| first        = Joel
| url          = http://www.sbs.com.au/thefeed/blog/2014/04/09/inside-providence-secretive-korean-church-led-convicted-rapist
| title        = Inside Providence: The secretive Korean church led by a convicted rapist
| publisher    = Sbs.com.au
| date         = April 9, 2014
| access-date   = August 31, 2015
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20141024223658/http://www.sbs.com.au/thefeed/blog/2014/04/09/inside-providence-secretive-korean-church-led-convicted-rapist
| archive-date = October 24, 2014
| url-status     = live
| df           = mdy-all
}}</ref>

In May 2016, Australian magazine ''[[Crikey]]'' revealed that an [[Australian Taxation Office]] (ATO) employee had been whitewashing the Wikipedia article on Providence. Operating from a work computer since August 2015, the lawyer had removed negative press coverage from the article and inserted glowing praise of Jung, while casting doubt on Jung's prison conviction. The woman, who denied it at first, eventually admitted that she had made the edits. The ATO's Fraud Prevention and Internal Investigations Unit declined to take any action.<ref>{{cite web
| url          = http://www.crikey.com.au/2016/05/02/wikipedia-page-rapist-cult-whitewashed-inside-ato/
| title        = ATO employee whitewashed Providence Jeong Myeong-seok's Wikipedia
| work         = Crikey
| access-date   = May 2, 2016
| date         = 2016-05-02
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20160502124537/http://www.crikey.com.au/2016/05/02/wikipedia-page-rapist-cult-whitewashed-inside-ato/
| archive-date = May 2, 2016
| url-status     = live
| df           = mdy-all
}}</ref>

[[Seven News]] Australia reported in 2023 that two Australian women had been recruited and trafficked to South Korea where JMS members allegedly raped them. Maria Naselli, President of the Lord's Hope Church of Providence in Sydney sent a video to Seven News stating "We want you to stop attacking us and to stop taking actions against us. If you do not heed this strong warning, we will hold a press conference against you".<ref>{{cite news |title=7NEWS Spotlight: World-first look inside the cult targeting Australian women |url=https://7news.com.au/spotlight/7news-spotlight-world-first-look-inside-providence-the-cult-next-door-c-11105030 |access-date=12 July 2023 |work=7NEWS |date=2 July 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

In 2025, Australian former member Liz Cameron published a book about her experiences in Providence entitled ''Cult Bride: How I Was Brainwashed and How I Broke Free''.<ref name="cameron">{{cite book |last1=Cameron |first1=Liz |title=Cult Bride: How I Was Brainwashed and How I Broke Free |date=2025 |publisher=Hardie Grant |location=Melbourne, VIC |isbn=9781763516571 |url=https://publishing.hardiegrant.com/en-au/books/cult-bride-by-liz-cameron/9781763516571 |access-date=19 December 2025}}</ref> She also shared her story on the [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]] podcast and radio program ''[[Conversations (radio program)|Conversations]]''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Best of 2025: How I became a brainwashed cult bride |url=https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/conversations/how-liz-cameron-became-brainwashed/106126722 |access-date=18 December 2025 |work=Conversations |agency=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=19 December 2025}}</ref>

=== Hong Kong ===
Providence has been reported on in Hong Kong, where it is known as ''The Bright Moon Church'' ({{lang|zh|月明教會}}) or ''Setsuri'' (攝理教). In October 2006 a former member told ''[[Oriental Daily News]]'' that it has about 100 core members in Hong Kong, including many medical graduates and some assistant professors. Though it has been in Hong Kong for years, its slow development kept it fairly unknown until its media exposure. Providence temporarily created an organization to run various community activities, known as the United Culture and Arts Network (UCAN).<ref name="orientaldailynews2006">{{cite news
| url          = http://hk.news.yahoo.com/061001/10/1tyax.html
| archive-url   = https://web.archive.org/web/20061116072023/http://hk.news.yahoo.com/061001/10/1tyax.html
| place        = Hong Kong
| work         = [[Oriental Daily News]]
| language     = zh-hk
| script-title = zh:韓邪教港核心成員逾百
| trans-title  = Korean cult core members reach 100 in Hong Kong
| date         = October 2, 2006
| archive-date  = November 16, 2006
| access-date   = November 16, 2006
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
 |last         = Fan
 |first        = Wai Kit (范偉潔)
 |url          = http://www.hket.com/eti/article/52087622-324c-432d-abdc-c77f4657e59e-574309
 |script-title = zh:韓邪教襲港 吸大學尖子 變身「月明教會」 醫科生家人求助
 |trans-title  = Korean cult attacks Hong Kong, recruits elites at university, transformed 'Wol Myeong Church' aids med student families
 |publisher    = [[Hong Kong Economic Times]]
 |language     = zh-hk
 |date         = September 20, 2006
 |access-date   = September 12, 2015
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20150909190821/http://www.hket.com/eti/article/52087622-324c-432d-abdc-c77f4657e59e-574309
 |archive-date = September 9, 2015
 |url-status   = dead
 |df           = mdy-all
}}</ref>

=== Japan ===
Providence became active in Japan around 1985<ref name="tamaki" /> or 1987.<ref name="lawyers_eye_cult" /> In 2006 the national newspaper ''[[Asahi Shimbun]]'' reported that Providence is "causing serious social problems in Japan", labeling it as a "cult" and "sect". It also reported that the organization was pressuring members to live together, make regular donations, marry within the organization, and follow the strict guidance of its founder.<ref name="asahi-cult-nihon-2000" />{{efn|name="another-problem-cult"
|1=''Asahi Shimbun''′s article on July 27, 2006 was followed up by similar coverage in this editorial, issued bilingually: {{cite news
| url          = http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200608190106.html
| archive-url   = https://web.archive.org/web/20141006083459/http://www.asyura2.com/0601/cult3/msg/326.html
| script-title = ja:教団のワナにはまるな
| trans-title  = Don't get caught in the religious group's trap
| language     = en, ja
| work         = [[Asahi Shimbun]]
| date         = August 18, 2006
| archive-date  = October 6, 2014
| access-date   = September 10, 2015
| quote        = The gimmicks the sect uses to increase its membership are nothing new. At university campuses, the sect's recruiters first approach students under the guise of a sports or cultural circle. After building close personal relationships with these students, the members reveal the religious nature of their group and start indoctrinating them. The favorite targets are serious-minded young people who feel alienated from their families and schools and wish to change their lives.
}}}}

It has been reported that Providence, commonly referred to as Setsuri in Japan, hides their religious affiliation at a Japanese university and solicited students as [[Student society|cultural clubs]],<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=摂理＝キリスト教福音宣教会 SDGsで大学生を勧誘する手法で信者が16年前の3倍｜検証 令和の新興宗教 |url=https://www.nikkan-gendai.com/articles/view/lifex/309980 |access-date=2023-03-08 |website=日刊ゲンダイDIGITAL|date=August 19, 2022 }}</ref> specifically targeting students pursuing medical or legal professions and those who are interested in environmental issues, [[Sustainable Development Goals|sustainable development goals]] and international contributions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=國府田英之 |date=2021-09-15 |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=2023-03-08 |website=AERA dot. (アエラドット)}}</ref> The movement is also known to recruit tall, fair-skinned and glamorous university students. It uses social media and student/workplace mentorship networking events to draw new members. It was estimated that the movement has increased its membership from about 2,000 to more than 6,000 followers in Japan between 2006 and 2022.<ref name=":5" />

The group's church usually consisted of a single apartment room, where their religious studies occurred.<ref name="lawyers_eye_cult" /> Sometimes the church was where some of the faithful cohabited. There were some 40 such churches across Japanese cities as of 2006.{{sfnp|Sakurai|2007b|p=4}}<ref name="asahi-cult-nihon-2000" /> Members as students working part-time jobs were expected to contribute a minimum of {{JPY|1000|link=yes}} at weekly church service, and as full-salaried wage-earners, monthly [[tithe]]s and bonus-time donations.<ref name="donation-annual-1oku">{{Cite news
| script-title = ja:「摂理」献金年間１億円超、教祖の逃亡資金にも
| trans-title  = Providence contributions exceed 100 million yen, some funds used to assist leader's flight
| language     = ja
| journal      = Asahi Shimbun
| date         = July 31, 2006
| url          = http://www.asahi.com/national/update/0731/OSK200607310029.html
| access-date   = May 8, 2014
}}{{dead link|date=July 2020|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} [http://religion.sakura.ne.jp/religion/ms/ms_doc_asahi060731b.htm Alt URL] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304141816/http://religion.sakura.ne.jp/religion/ms/ms_doc_asahi060731b.htm |date=March 4, 2016 }}</ref> Believers were instructed to live frugally on cheap food and never indulge in alcohol.<ref name="donation-annual-1oku" /> They were forbidden from dating, but at a suitable time married within the group in mass ceremonies.<ref name="asahi-cult-nihon-2000" />{{efn|name="another-problem-cult"}}

Although the [[Supreme Court of Japan]] in 1996 ruled [[Blessing ceremony of the Unification Church]] was invalid, more than 300 Japanese members of Providence were wed in six [[Collective wedding|mass ceremonies]] held between 1996 and 2006 modeled on the UC. While being wanted on rape charges, Jung at a July 2003 mass wedding urged the couples via a big-screen Internet connection to have babies to increase the number of Providence members.<ref>{{cite news
| url          = http://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/05/08/Japan-court-rules-marriage-invalid/8165831528000/
| title        = Japan court rules marriage invalid – UPI Archives
| publisher    = Upi.com
| date         = May 8, 1996
| access-date   = September 12, 2015
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20160119041105/http://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/05/08/Japan-court-rules-marriage-invalid/8165831528000/
| archive-date = January 19, 2016
| url-status     = live
| df           = mdy-all
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news
| title       = Guru said to have raped prospective brides before mass weddings
| date       = August 3, 2006
| url       = http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200608030075.html
| access-date       = September 11, 2015
}}</ref>

In 2007, Japanese Police raided eight Providence facilities in [[Chiba, Chiba|Chiba]] on suspicion that a senior member illegally obtained residence status. They also searched a facility in the city's [[Chūō-ku, Chiba|Chuo Ward]].<ref>{{cite news
| url          = http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2007/01/20/news/setsuri-cult-facilities-raided-over-immigration-suspicions/
| title        = Setsuri cult facilities raided over immigration suspicions
| work=[[The Japan Times]]
| date         = January 20, 2007
| access-date   = December 18, 2013
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20131219022952/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2007/01/20/news/setsuri-cult-facilities-raided-over-immigration-suspicions/
| archive-date = December 19, 2013
| url-status     = live
| df           = mdy-all
}}</ref> The senior member, a Korean, was arrested for overstaying her visa.  It was learned that Providence recruited "high class, high income" men and selected women for "style and looks".<ref>{{Cite news
| script-title = ja:カルトSEX教団に強制捜査...教祖にせっせと女性貢ぐ
| trans-title  = Cultic sex religious group raided by investigators.. women assiduously feed money to founder
| language     = ja
| date         = January 19, 2007
| url          = http://www.zakzak.co.jp/top/2007_01/t2007011901.html
| archive-url   = https://web.archive.org/web/20070226172509/http://www.zakzak.co.jp/top/2007_01/t2007011901.html
| archive-date  = February 26, 2007
| access-date   = September 1, 2015
}}</ref>

As of 2008, it has been said that over 100 women have fallen victim of Jung's sexual transgressions in Japan alone.<ref name="tamaki" />

=== New Zealand ===
''[[The New Zealand Herald]]'' reported that Providence is recruiting young women in universities, shopping centres and churches. The [[University of Auckland]] issued a warning to student groups, and a parent support group for those whose children have been recruited or impacted was established. The [[Grace Presbyterian Church of New Zealand|Presbyterian Church of Auckland]] stated that its members are also being targeted. A 22-year-old University of Auckland student said that while a member she participated in photoshoots, fashion shows, and a Bible study course which introduced Jung as the new messiah. A Providence leader was approached for comment, but failed to turn up to a meeting with Herald staff.<ref>{{cite news
| url         = http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11859132
| title       = Kiwi women targeted by religious group hunting brides for convicted rapist
| first       = Lincoln
| last        = Tan
| date        = 19 May 2017
| newspaper   = The New Zealand Herald
| access-date  = 19 December 2017
| via         = www.nzherald.co.nz
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20111111081401/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1
| archive-date = November 11, 2011
| url-status     = live
| df          = mdy-all
}}</ref>

=== Taiwan ===
Providence's earliest activity in Taiwan was in 1988.<ref>{{cite web
| url          = http://www.ccya.org.tw/history07.php
| script-title = zh:海外宣教
| trans-title  = Foreign missionary work
| access-date   = April 22, 2006
| publisher    = 中華基督教新時代青年會CCYA(攝理教會)
| archive-url   = https://web.archive.org/web/20060328012607/http://www.ccya.org.tw/history07.php
| archive-date  = March 28, 2006
| quote        = {{lang|zh-hant|台灣的宣教活動自從1988年開始 }}
| language=zh
}}</ref> It is commonly known as Jesus Morning Star Church (JMS), ({{lang-zh|t=晨星會|tp=chéeng sīn hùei|p=chéngxīng huì}}, {{lang|zh|攝理教}} or {{lang|zh|攝禮教}}; shè lǐ jìao). Providence itself rejects these common names, officially registered as China Christian Youth Association  (CCYA; {{lang|zh|中華基督教新時代青年會}}), and sometimes calls itself Providence Church ({{lang|zh|攝理教會}}).<ref>{{cite web
| url          = http://ccya.21ccea.org/files/ccya-id.html
| script-title = zh:立案證書
| trans-title  = Application certificate
| publisher    = 中華基督教新時代青年會CCYA(攝理教會)
| language     = zh
| title        = Loading
| access-date  = February 7, 2007
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20070427204620/http://ccya.21ccea.org/files/ccya-id.html
| archive-date = April 27, 2007
| url-status     = dead
| df           = mdy-all
}}</ref>

In November 2001 the Taiwanese version of ''[[Next Magazine (Chinese magazine)|Next Magazine]]'' published the article "Korean cult leader raped over one hundred Taiwanese female college students". Allegedly involved [[National Taiwan University]], [[Fu Jen Catholic University]], and [[National Chengchi University]] all denied the report, stated that there were no cult activities in their campuses at the time. NCCU acknowledged that there had been such activities many years ago.  There had been similar reports in 1997.<ref>{{cite news
 |url          = http://210.69.89.131/cnaweb/showframe.asp?recordnum=12&RltIndex=11&database=1,&user=321&databaseNum=12,&pagenum=1&ID=862821&P=中央日報&D=90/11/09&T=8
 |script-title = zh:宗教染指 上百女生受害？某周刊指韓國攝理教會教主涉嫌引誘非禮 遭點名臺大、政大、輔大否認
 |trans-title  = Religion infiltrates, upwards of 100 female student victims? Certain weekly magazine alleges Korean Providence leader with indecent assault, naming National Taiwan University, National Chengchi University, Fu Jen University who all deny
 |publisher    = [[Central Daily News]]
 |last1        = Lee
 |first1       = Mei-hua (李美嬅)
 |last2        = Chen
 |first2       = Luo-wei (陳洛薇)
 |date         = November 9, 2001
 |page         = 8
 |language     = zh
}}{{Dead link|date=May 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite news
| url        = http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/local/archives/2001/11/12/111168
| title      = S Korean religious figure faces sexual assault accusations
| work       = [[Taipei Times]]
| date       = November 12, 2001
| access-date = March 1, 2014
| quote      = Chung {{Sic }} Myung-seok ({{lang|zh-hant|鄭明析}}), founder of the South Korean Jesus Morning Star Church ({{lang|zh-hant|南韓攝理教會}}), is suspected of sexually assaulting his female followers. A Chinese-language magazine said Chung had sexually assaulted the women, many of them students from National Taiwan and National Chengchi universities, telling them it was part of a religious ceremony. The accusation prompted the police to investigate.
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20140301141016/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/local/archives/2001/11/12/111168
 |archive-date = March 1, 2014
 |url-status     = live
 |df           = mdy-all
}}</ref> Taiwanese authorities investigated Jung for raping women, but he fled the country.<ref name="Korea JoongAng Daily" /><ref>{{cite news
| url          = http://www.tvbs.com.tw/news/news_list.asp?no=keri20030622123441
| archive-url  = https://archive.today/20130418205504/http://www.tvbs.com.tw/news/news_list.asp?no=keri20030622123441
| url-status     = dead
| archive-date = April 18, 2013
| script-title = zh:攝理教主鄭明析 性侵女教友遭通緝
| trans-title  = Providence leader Jung Myung Seok wanted for sexual assault of female parishioners
| publisher    = [[TVBS]]
| date         = June 2, 2006
| access-date   = September 10, 2015
| language     = zh
}}</ref> Members of EXODUS soon came to Taiwan and held a press conference with an involved woman.<ref>{{cite web
| url          = http://www.ettoday.com/2001/12/10/218-1234524.htm
| script-title = zh:攝理教韓受害女性控訴教主 記者會火爆口角衝突
| trans-title  = Prividence's Korean female victims file appeal suit against leader, press club clashes with heated debate
| last1        = Chen
| first1       = Zhidong (陳志東)
| publisher    = ETtoday.com
| date         = December 10, 2001
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20081008035158/http://www.nownews.com/2001/12/10/218-1234524.htm
| archive-date  = October 8, 2008
| access-date   = April 6, 2015
| language     = zh
| url-status      = dead
| df           = mdy
}}</ref>

In October 2005 ''[[Apple Daily (Taiwan)|Apple Daily]]'' reported that many student clubs in [[National Central University]] and other campuses are recruiting for Providence Church. These clubs hold a wide variety of activities including the "Eagle Cup" soccer tournament in Taipei city and regular model training. The paper quoted an undisclosed former church member, that the church's "modeling department" is in fact a channel of recruiting sexual partners for Jung. The paper obtained three audio recordings of dialogs of some female members, which say that Jung have had sex with ten female members by mutual consent, most of them college students from the modeling department.<ref>{{cite news
| url          = http://www.appledaily.com.tw/appledaily/article/headline/20051013/2124471/
| script-title = zh:踢爆邪教魔爪校園再現
| trans-title  = Blowing whistle on the cult's demonic clutches reappearing on campuses
| last1        = Huang
| first1       = Pai-hsüeh (黃白雪)
| work         = [[Apple Daily (Taiwan)|Apple Daily]]
| language     = zh
| date         = October 13, 2005
| access-date  = August 24, 2015
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20150824134305/http://www.appledaily.com.tw/appledaily/article/headline/20051013/2124471/
| archive-date = August 24, 2015
| url-status     = live
| df           = mdy-all
}}</ref>

In November 2024, JMS conducted the "13th Blessing Ceremony (Wedding)" for Taiwanese followers, during which concerns were raised about the excessive invasion of privacy. Specifically, the organization reportedly asked participants intrusive questions, including inquiries about the frequency of sexual relations.<ref>{{cite news|last=Park|first=In Jae|title=대만 JMS, 속칭 '축복식' 앞두고 성관계·임신·낙태 여부 설문지 배포|trans-title=Taiwan JMS Distributes Questionnaire on Sexual Relations, Pregnancy, and Abortion Ahead of So-Called "Blessing Ceremony"|language=ko|url=https://www.amennews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=30018|access-date=7 November 2024|newspaper=Amen News|date=6 November 2024}}</ref>

== Sexual abuse allegations in the media ==

=== Media exposes ===
The Providence sex scandal received wide public attention following [[Seoul Broadcasting System]] (SBS)'s exposé, broadcast in March 1999, on its TV [[news magazine]] ''{{interlanguage link|The Unanswered|ko|그것이 알고 싶다}}''.<ref name="sakurai-on-sbs&exodus" /><ref name="tamaki" /> Over 100 alleged victims were contacted for information in the making of this series.{{Refn|group="lower-alpha"|According to the SBS producer Nam Sang-mun, who later contributed articles in newspaper on the matter.<ref name="mainichi-kokunai-2000" />}} JMS, as Providence was known then, countered with lawsuits to suppress the broadcast, libel litigation, and an organized two-month barrage of phone calls, as many as 60,000 calls per day.<ref name="mainichi-kokunai-2000" /><ref name="yonhap-sbs-iwanttoknow-after-July99" /><ref name="nam-sangmun" />

The broadcast resulted in Jung fleeing the country one day later. Jung lived freely outside of Korea for the next seven years, until apprehended by the Chinese authorities in 2006, and repatriated to Korea in 2007.<ref name="mainichi-kokunai-2000" /><ref name="Radio Australia">{{cite web
 |url          = http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/news/stories/s2168234.htm
 |title        = China extradites SKorea cult leader
 |publisher    = [[Radio Australia]]
 |date         = February 21, 2008
 |access-date   = February 27, 2008
 |archive-date = September 17, 2020
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20200917095641/https://www.abc.net.au/radio-australia/
 |url-status   = live
}}</ref>

Sexual abuse allegation continued to surface against Jung overseas, in Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Japan, and other locations. The news show ''{{Ill|The Unanswered (TV series)|lt=The Unanswered|ko|그것이 알고싶다}}'' followed with additional episodes covering Jung's activities abroad.{{efn|The March 20, 1999, broadcast was followed up by a May 29, 1999, broadcast that contained an airing of Providence's views. The news show then ran a sequel on July 24, 1999. It aired another report on Providence in November  2002}}{{Refn|group="lower-alpha"|<!--Heeding the court judgment that SBS needed to give Providence's proponents a voice for about 5% {{Citation needed|date=November 2021}},-->The SBS news show broadcast on May 29, 1999, a segment where JMS (Providence) expressed its views. Providence then began to publicize it had gotten SBS to retract. The SBS news show then aired a sequel on July 24, 1999, to rebut Providence and to report on Jung living overseas.<ref name="pdjournal-sbs-iwtk-after-July99" />}}<ref name="yonhap-sbs-iwanttoknow-after-July99" /><ref name="newsnjoy-yangjeong-Nov2broadcast" /> In one episode, SBS reported how female members of Providence had been flown to and held against their will at Jung's hideout in [[Anshan]] in the Chinese province [[Liaoning]] on the border to Korea. One 28-year-old Korean, who in April 2005 managed to escape, confided how she was sexually violated multiple times by Jung.{{efn|This was also reported by the ''[[Sisa Journal]]''}}<ref name="sisapress">{{cite news
 |author1      = 신호철
 |url          = http://www.sisapress.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=32634
 |script-title = ko:정명석, '황제 도피' 즐긴다
 |language     = ko
 |trans-title  = Jung Myung-Suk enjoys being a runaway emperor?
 |work=[[Sisa Journal]]
 |publisher    = Sisa Press
 |date         = April 23, 2006
 |url-status   = dead
 |archive-url   = https://web.archive.org/web/20131203052607/http://www.sisapress.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=32634
 |archive-date  = December 3, 2013
 |access-date   = August 24, 2015
}}</ref><ref name="Christian-times-sex-assault-allegations">{{cite news
| last         = Kim
| first        = Dae-won (김대원)
| url          = http://www.christiantoday.co.kr/view.htm?id=185646
| script-title = ko:SBS "정명석, 중국에서도 성폭행 혐의"
| language     = ko
| trans-title  = SBS "Jeongmyeongseok, sexual assault allegations in China."
| work         = Christian Today
| date         = June 4, 2007
| url-status      = live
| archive-url   = https://web.archive.org/web/20071009122902/http://www.christiantoday.co.kr/view.htm?id=185646
| archive-date  = October 9, 2007
| access-date   = August 24, 2015
}}</ref>

In Japan, there were 2,000 Providence members as of 2006, almost entirely students and graduates of prestigious colleges, and 60% women. During his sojourns in Japan, Jung summoned upwards of 10 women on an almost daily basis, and under the false pretext of running a "health check" would have improper sexual encounters with them.{{efn|According to former members.}} Jung's aides are said to have imposed strict secrecy of these encounters with Jung, threatening the women with condemnation to hell if they told anyone what he had done.<ref name="asahi-cult-nihon-2000">{{Cite news
| script-title = ja:韓国カルト、日本で２千人 若者勧誘、教祖が性的暴行
| trans-title  = Korean Cult numbering 2000 in Japan solicits youths in Japan, cult leader commits sexual violence
| language     = ja
| journal      = Asahi Shimbun
| date         = July 27, 2006
| url          = http://www.asahi.com/national/update/0727/OSK200607270231.html
| archive-url   = https://web.archive.org/web/20060813184736/http://www.asahi.com/national/update/0727/OSK200607270231.html
| archive-date  = August 13, 2006
| access-date   = April 7, 2015
}}</ref><ref name="asahi-2000-eng">{{cite news
| url         = http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200607290185.html
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20080120215531/http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200607290185.html
| title       = 2,000 Japanese join cult led by suspected sex offender on the run from Interpol
| work        = [[Asahi Shimbun]]
| date        = July 29, 2006
| archive-date = January 20, 2008
| access-date  = April 6, 2015
}}</ref>

In [[Taiwan]] too, similar incidents have been reported, where many female members of his organization were ordered to undress for a "health check", be subjected various forms of sexual abuse, including having sex with him to wipe off their sins.<ref>{{cite news
| url          = http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2007/05/17/2003361326
| title        = World News Quick Take
| work         = Taipei Times
| date         = May 17, 2007
| access-date   = March 1, 2014
| quote        = He fled an extradition hearing but was detained by Chinese authorities early this month. Former members, mostly young girls, have told police they were told to undress for a "health check" and to have sex with him to wipe out their sins.
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20140407072427/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2007/05/17/2003361326
| archive-date = April 7, 2014
| url-status     = live
| df           = mdy-all
}}</ref>

The anti-Providence group EXODUS (founded in 1999<ref name="sakurai-on-sbs&exodus" />) held a press conference in April 2006, in which four unidentified women wearing [[bucket hat]]s and [[surgical mask]]s covering their faces, accused Jung of organized sex crimes against themselves and other women, who required medical treatment.<ref>{{cite news
| url          = http://www.cnbnews.com/news/article.html?no=5993
| last         = Kim
| first        = Min-hui (김민희)
| script-title = ko:'JMS 정명석 성폭행 계속...정부 뭐하나' 울분
| language     = ko
| trans-title  = JMS's Jung Myung Seok assaults continuing; outrage over government inaction
| access-date   = September 14, 2015
| publisher    = CNB News
| date         = April 18, 2006
| quote        = {{Korean | labels       = no|피해자들은 이 날 오후 4시 안국동 느키나무까페에서 'JMS 비리 폭로 및 수사 촉구를 위한 기자회견'을 열고 최근 언론을 통해 알려진 정명석의 성폭행 당시 상황 등을 낱낱이 공개했다. }} (Victims held a press conference at 4&nbsp;pm today in the Nukinamu Cafe in Anguk Dong demanding the exposure and investigation into the JMS corruption case and more fully clarifying events surrounding the Jung Myung Seok sexual assaults that had recently been reported in the media.)
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20150923205051/http://www.cnbnews.com/news/article.html?no=5993
 |archive-date = September 23, 2015
 |url-status     = live
 |df           = mdy-all
}}<!-- alt url=http://www.cnbnews.comcategory/read.html?bcode=7019/--></ref>

Jung denied the charges, his followers said.<ref name="aptvnews">{{cite news
| publisher    = [[Associated Press Television News]]
| date         = February 20, 2008
| access-date   = February 29, 2008
| title        = South Korean fugitive cult leader Jung extradited back to Seoul
| url          = http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/view/7f51b2b481ecfc4cc98ff70932bd2783?subClipIn=00:00:00&subClipOut=00:00:00
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20131021005820/http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/view/7f51b2b481ecfc4cc98ff70932bd2783?subClipIn=00:00:00&subClipOut=00:00:00
| archive-date = October 21, 2013
| url-status     = live
| df           = mdy-all
}}</ref> In 2008, in response to the rape allegations, Providence pastor Bae Jae-yong said that it was a "distorted rumor that was created by the people who have slandered [Jung]" and that "all fundamental truth will be clarified by [Jung] at the prosecutor's office".<ref name="iht">{{cite web |date=February 20, 2008 |title=South Korean religious sect leader extradited from China to face rape charges |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/02/20/asia/AS-GEN-SKorea-Cult-Leader.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080604164157/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/02/20/asia/AS-GEN-SKorea-Cult-Leader.php |archive-date=June 4, 2008 |access-date=February 27, 2008 |publisher=International Herald Tribune, [[Associated Press|AP]]}}</ref>

According to allegations by ex-Providence members, as of 2012, some 500 to over 1,000 women members were still being groomed for future [[sexual exploitation]] by Jung. Known internally as the "Evergreens" ({{Korean|hangul=상록수|rr=sang-rok-su|labels=no|hanja={{lang|zh|常緑樹}}}}), these female members are said to comprise a "reserve corps" for "sex bribes" ({{Korean|hangul=성상납|hanja={{lang|zh|[[:ja:性上納|性上納]]}}|rr=seong sangnap|labels=no}}), a term for sexual favors accorded to those exercising power.{{Refn|group="lower-alpha"|name="500-vs-1000"|Reporter Song Ju-youl ({{lang|ko-Hang|송주열}}) in one story quotes a JMS defector A revealing there are about 500,<ref name="song-joongang" /> while another quotes an alleged victim who estimates over 1,000.<ref name="song-nocut" />}}<ref name="song-joongang" /><ref name="Christian-times-mushrooms" /><ref name="newsnjoy-jeong-naked" /> The "Evergreens" are educated and handled by 10 women in Providence's leadership.{{efn|name=kim_jin-ho}} Jo Gyeong-suk ({{Korean|hangul=조경숙|labels=no}}), former head of the group's Seoul branch and herself an alleged victim, stated salvation through sexual union with Jung was part of its [[Canon law|canon]].<ref name="song-nocut" /><ref name="song-newspower" />

According to Jo, "not a few of those women committed suicide. They become severely depressed and receive psychiatric treatment, suffer various illnesses and social phobias as a result of the stress, and are unable to marry."<ref name="song-nocut" /><ref name="song-newspower" /> The accusers added that Providence leader Jung, even while serving sentence in prison, is supplied with photograph profiles of female members, for him to make selections on which women would be inducted as "Evergreens".<ref>{{cite news |date=October 24, 2013 |script-title=ko:JMS 교주 정명석 수감생활 특혜 의혹<!-- - 노컷뉴스--> |trans-title=JMS leader Jung Myung seok's prison life raises suspicion of favoritism<!-- - No cut news--> |journal=Nocutnews.co.kr |url=http://www.nocutnews.co.kr/news/1119706 |url-status=live |access-date=September 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926214813/http://www.nocutnews.co.kr/news/1119706 |archive-date=September 26, 2015 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="song-joongang" />

=== Netflix and MBC documentary ===
''In the Name of God: A Holy Betrayal'' is a 2023 [[Netflix]] and [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]] [[Television documentary|docuseries]] that described the founding of the religious movement, indoctrination of its members, illegal heckling of dissidents committed by the group as well detailing the multiple rapes committed by sect leader Jung with testimonials from former members.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Frater |first=Patrick |date=2023-03-03 |title=Sex Cult Expose: Netflix Defeats Injunction, Airs 'In the Name of God: A Holy Betrayal' Documentary on Korean Religious Leaders |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/korea-religious-cult-netflix-in-the-name-of-god-a-holy-betrayal-documentary-1235541909/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230303125135/https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/korea-religious-cult-netflix-in-the-name-of-god-a-holy-betrayal-documentary-1235541909/ |archive-date=March 3, 2023 |access-date=2023-03-07 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> Providence requested for a court injunction to prevent the Netflix series from airing. The request was denied as the South Korean court ruled that Netflix and MBC "appear to have made the program based on a considerable amount of objective and subjective materials backing its claim."<ref>{{Cite web |last=심 |first=선아 |date=2023-03-02 |title=Religious group's request for court injunction to block release of Netflix documentary rejected |url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230302008500315 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230303145255/https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230302008500315 |archive-date=March 3, 2023 |access-date=2023-03-07 |website=[[Yonhap News Agency]] |language=en}}</ref>

After the broadcast, JMS filed approximately 40 lawsuits and complaints against sexual assault victims, Professor Kim Do-hyeong of [[Dankook University]], and PD Cho Seong-hyun. On August 16, 2024, the Mapo Police Station in Seoul referred the case against PD Cho Seong-hyun to the Seoul Western District Prosecutor's Office, applying charges of violating the Special Act on Sexual Violence. The reason for the charges was the allegation that PD Cho distributed a nude video that could provoke sexual desire or humiliation through the [[documentary]]. In response, Professor Kim Do-hyeong questioned, "This law was established to punish bizarre sexual criminals like Jeong Myeong-seok and his accomplices. Is this law really applicable to PD Cho Seong-hyun, who exposed the reality of the grotesque sexual offender Jeong Myeong-seok and raised awareness in society?"<ref>{{cite news|last=Park|first=In Jae|title=다큐 '나는 신이다' 제작이 불법이면 시청한 모든 사람 처벌받는 모순 발생한다|trans-title=If the Documentary 'In the Name of God' is Illegal, Punishing All Viewers Would Be a Contradiction|url=http://m.amennews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=20439|access-date=19 August 2024|newspaper=Amen News|date=17 August 2024}}</ref> Meanwhile, as PD Cho Seong-hyun has been referred to the Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office on charges of violating the Special Act on Sexual Violence, causing widespread social repercussions, JMS has sparked further controversy by initiating an organized petition campaign through a notice from the church members' association, calling for Cho's punishment.<ref>{{cite news|last=Park|first=In Jae|title=JMS, "조성현 PD 처벌해달라" 서명운동 파문|trans-title=JMS Sparks Controversy with Petition Campaign Demanding Punishment for PD Cho Seong-hyun|url=http://m.amennews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=20482|access-date=2 September 2024|newspaper=Amen News|date=31 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Park|first=In Jae|title="메이플과 김도형 교수, 공익목적 위해 식사비, 교통비만 받고 '나는 신이다' 촬영했다"|trans-title="Maple and Professor Kim Do-hyung Filmed *In the Name of God* for Public Interest, Only Receiving Meal and Transportation Expenses"|url=http://m.amennews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=20514|access-date=10 September 2024|newspaper=Amen News|date=9 September 2024}}</ref> Producer Cho Sung-hyun, who had been accused of violating the Special Act on Sexual Violence, has been cleared of charges.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kim|first=Jung Soo|title=조성현 PD, 불기소 처분|trans-title=Producer Cho Sung-hyun Receives Non-Indictment Decision|language=ko|url=http://www.hdjongkyo.co.kr/m/content/view.html?section=22&category=1003&no=20430|access-date=1 April 2025|newspaper=Modern Religion|date=28 March 2025}}</ref>

== Civil lawsuits and criminal convictions ==
Providence (then commonly known as JMS) leader [[Jung Myung-seok]] fled Korea in 1999 after Korean public broadcaster [[SBS TV (South Korean TV channel)|SBS]] reported on the rampant sexual abuse allegedly committed by Jung, and several civil lawsuits were subsequently filed against him. According to the Chinese and South Korean police, Jung had been on the run in Taiwan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan, Mainland China and other countries between 1999 and 2007.<ref name=":3" /><ref name="joongang">{{cite news |date=February 21, 2008 |title=Cult boss extradited to face sex raps |newspaper=[[JoongAng Ilbo]] |url=http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2886496 |access-date=November 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718172736/http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2886496 |archive-date=July 18, 2011 |quote=Jung was taken directly to the Seoul Central Public Prosecutors' Office from the airport. Prosecutors began questioning Jung after his arrival regarding nine complaints filed against him on charges that include embezzlement and sexual assault.}}</ref>

In 2001, Jung Myung-seok was investigated by Taiwanese authorities on multiple charges of sexual assault, but he left the country without standing trial.<ref name="Korea JoongAng Daily">{{cite news
| url          = http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2875640
| title        = Founder of cult captured in China after eight years
| newspaper=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]]
| date         = May 17, 2007
| access-date   = August 31, 2015
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20150925161545/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2875640
| archive-date = September 25, 2015
| url-status     = live
| df           = mdy-all
}}</ref> Taiwan Taipei District Prosecutor's Office then issued an arrest warrant for Jung in June 2003.<ref>{{Cite web |last=聯合新聞網 |date=2023-03-06 |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=2023-03-08 |website=[[United Daily News]] |language=zh-Hant-TW}}</ref> Jung, having been wanted by [[Interpol]] since 2002,<ref name="kang-koreatimes" /> was arrested in Hong Kong in July 2003 for overstaying his visa, but was released three days later on a {{HKD|10,000,000}} (US$1.3 million {{as of|2003|07|lc=on}}) bail. When Hong Kong authorities approved [[extradition]] to Korea, Jung fled the extradition hearing.<ref name="sisapress" /><ref name="theaustralian">{{cite news
| url          = http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/asian-cult-leader-arrested/story-e6frg6so-1111113538594
| title        = Asian Cult Leader Arrested
| date         = May 15, 2007
| work         = [[The Australian]]
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20141010100430/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/asian-cult-leader-arrested/story-e6frg6so-1111113538594
| archive-date = October 10, 2014
| quote        = Jung, wanted by Korean police for rape, fraud and embezzlement, escaped South Korea in 1999 and was later placed on the Interpol wanted list. He next surfaced in Hong Kong in 2003, where he was charged with being an illegal immigrant, granted bail and fled again – apparently to China. He was caught by police in Anshan, in Liaoning, the Chinese province that borders North Korea. It is believed he has also, while on the run, lived in Italy and Taiwan.
| access-date   = August 24, 2015
| url-status      = dead
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| 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 = October 9, 2008
| title       = Ask the Police
| publisher   = [[Law enforcement in South Korea|Korean National Police Agency]]
| date        = September 21, 2003
| access-date  = November 21, 2006
| 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
| url         = http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22998981-23109,00.html
| title       = Accused rapist cult leader faces extradition to Korea
| date        = January 2, 2008
| access-date  = February 27, 2008
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20080115174612/http://www.news.com.au/story/0%2C23599%2C22998981-23109%2C00.html
| archive-date = January 15, 2008
| url-status     = dead
}}</ref>

An [[Interpol Red Notice]] was issued on Jung in 2004.<ref name="cult_leader_extradited">{{cite news
| url         = https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/02/113_19368.html
| title       = Cult Leader Extradited to Korea
| work        = [[The Korea Times]]
| date        = February 21, 2008
| access-date  = February 27, 2008
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20080401134040/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/02/113_19368.html
| archive-date = April 1, 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> In 2006, South Korean authorities put Jung on an international wanted list on rape charges,<ref name="lawyers_eye_cult">{{cite news
| url          = http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2006/07/31/national/lawyers-eye-cult-rape-accusations/
| title        = Lawyers eye cult rape accusations
| work=[[The Japan Times]]
| date         = July 31, 2006
| access-date   = August 31, 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.
| 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 = August 28, 2015
| url-status     = live
| df           = mdy-all
}}</ref> and 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" /> In February 2007, [[Interpol]] requested for the fingerprints of Jung from South Korea, who was then thought to be in Costa Rican territories under false documentation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-02-08 |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=2023-03-08 |website=La Nación |language=es}}</ref>

According to Korean investigative magazine SisaIN, Jung was hiding in Qianshan near Anshan, Liaoning Province, China after escaping Hong Kong in 2003.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shin |first=Ho-cheol |date=2007-10-09 |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=2023-03-09 |website=SisaIN |language=ko}}</ref> After about 8 years on the run,<ref>{{cite news |date=February 21, 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=February 27, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110612011929/http://www.chinapost.com.tw/asia/2008/02/21/143806/China-extradites.htm |archive-date=June 12, 2011 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> [[Ministry of Public Security (China)|Chinese Ministry of Public Security]] announced that Jung had been arrested in [[Beijing]] by Chinese police on May 1, 2007.<ref name="theaustralian" /><ref name="Fox News">
{{cite news |date=May 16, 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=February 27, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071228122405/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,272712,00.html |archive-date=December 28, 2007 |df=mdy-all}}
</ref><ref name="donga1">{{cite news |date=May 17, 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=February 28, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304144223/http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?biid=2007051777138 |archive-date=March 4, 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." |df=mdy-all}}</ref> {{Interlanguage link|Liaoning Provincial Higher People's Court|zh|3=辽宁省高级人民法院}} ruled in September 2007 to extradite Jung, a decision upheld by the [[Supreme People's Court]].<ref>{{cite news |author=등록 |date=February 22, 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=September 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925210444/http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/society/religious/271485.html |archive-date=September 25, 2015 |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=October 2, 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=September 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925214711/http://www.christiantoday.co.kr/view.htm?id=187853 |archive-date=September 25, 2015 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> He was extradited back to South Korea to stand charges on February 20, 2008.<ref name="iht" /><ref name=":3" /> Jung was also charged with fraud and embezzlement of church funds.

A South Korean woman and a Japanese woman filed a criminal suit in 2003 against Jung for raping them.<ref>{{cite news
| url          = http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/02/23/S-Korean-sect-leader-facing-rape-charges/81811203796166/
| title        = S. Korean sect leader facing rape charges
| work       = United Press International
| date         = February 23, 2008
| access-date   = August 31, 2015
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20150828183633/http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/02/23/S-Korean-sect-leader-facing-rape-charges/81811203796166/
| archive-date = August 28, 2015
| url-status     = live
| df           = mdy-all
}}</ref> In January 2008, the [[Supreme Court of Korea]] awarded the two females {{SK won|50,000,000|link=yes}} (US$52000 {{as of|2008|01|lc=on}}) and {{SK won|10,000,000}} (US$10400) in damages for rape. The court said Jung forced the followers to have sex with him, saying that it is a religious behavior meant to save their souls.<ref name="yonhap2008">{{cite news
| url          = http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/national/2008/02/23/56/0302000000AEN20080223001200315F.HTML
| title        = Religious sect leader formally arrested on rape charges
| publisher    = [[Yonhap]]
| date         = February 23, 2008
| access-date   = February 27, 2008
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20080305014211/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/national/2008/02/23/56/0302000000AEN20080223001200315F.HTML
| archive-date = March 5, 2008
| url-status     = live
| df           = mdy-all
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
| url          = http://nuri.donga.com/nurinews/view.php?k_id=200801110239&m=2
| archive-url   = https://web.archive.org/web/20080215060441/http://nuri.donga.com/nurinews/view.php?k_id=200801110239&m=2
| archive-date  = February 15, 2008
| publisher    = Donganuri News
| script-title = ko:JMS 정명석씨, 신도 성폭행 6천만원 위자료 확정
| language     = ko
| trans-title  = Court upholds compensation for JMS's raped followers in the amount of 60 million won
| date         = January 11, 2008
| access-date   = January 27, 2008
| quote        = {{Korean | labels       = no|JMS 정명석 총재에게 성추행ㆍ성폭행 당한 여성신도 2명이 위자료를 받게 됐다 }}. (Two female followers received compensation for sexual assault and rape by Leader Jung Myung Soek.)
}}</ref> Providence followers started riots outside of newspapers that reported the court's verdict, broke into the Seoul office of the leading newspaper ''[[The Dong-a Ilbo]]'' trashing office furniture, and demanded the removal of articles critical of Jung.<ref>{{cite news
| url          = http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?biid=2008011523598
| title        = Cult Followers Break into Dong-A Ilbo Office
| work         = The Dong-a Ilbo
| date         = January 15, 2008
| access-date   = March 1, 2014
| quote        = Members of the religious cult JMS broke into the editorial office of the Dong-A Ilbo Monday morning. They smashed the glass entrance on the 13th floor to enter the daily's office, demanding the removal of articles on the cult's founder Jeong Myeong-seok. Jeong is reportedly hiding in China after being accused by former women followers of committing sexual assault and rape.
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20140304170158/http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?biid=2008011523598
| archive-date = March 4, 2014
| url-status     = live
| df           = mdy-all
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
| url          = http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2008/01/17/2008011701088.html
| script-title = ko:언론계에 'JMS 공포'
| language     = ko
| trans-title  = JMS terror in the world of media
| work         = [[Chosun Ilbo]]
| date         = January 17, 2008
| quote        = {{Korean | labels       = no|17일 언론계에 따르면 JMS 신도 40여명은 지난 14일 서울 광화문 동아일보 사옥 13층 편집국에 난입, "정명석 총재 관련 기사를 내리라"고 강요하며 장시간 난동을 부렸다 }}.  (The press reported on the 17th that on the 14th, 40 followers of JMS forced their way into the editorial department on the 13th floor of the Dong-a Ilbo Building in Gwanghwamun Seoul, demanded the paper recall articles about Jung Myung-seok, and created a general disturbance for several hours.)
 |access-date  = January 16, 2014
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20131023041924/http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2008/01/17/2008011701088.html
 |archive-date = October 23, 2013
 |url-status     = live
 |df           = mdy-all
}}</ref><ref name="joongang" /><ref>{{cite news
| url          = http://news.donga.com/3/all/20080724/8606939/1
| script-title = ko:검찰, 본사난입 JMS 신도 7명 기소<!-- : 뉴스 : 동아닷컴-->
| trans-title  = Prosecutors raid JMS headquarter, indicting 7<!--: News: Dong-a-dot-com-->
| language     = ko
| work         = The Dong-a Ilbo
| date         = July 24, 2008
| access-date   = March 1, 2014
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20140304173013/http://news.donga.com/3/all/20080724/8606939/1
| archive-date = March 4, 2014
| url-status     = live
| df           = mdy-all
}}</ref>

In the criminal case heard by the [[Seoul Central District Court]], former members told the court that Jung was provided with female members of his sect as "gifts", and he would then have sex them on a religious pretext.<ref name="reuters1" /> Reportedly Jung would be shown photographs of female members of his church, and once he chooses his "sexual gift", she would be conveyed to his place of stay outside Korea.<ref name="kang-koreatimes" />

In August 2008, Jung was convicted for raping female followers and sentenced by the Seoul Central District court to six years imprisonment.<ref>{{cite news
| last       = Herskovitz
| first      = Jon
| url        = https://nationalpost.com/news/world/story.html?id=f341a144-96f3-401a-a0e3-21c11e21a2af
| title      = South Korean religious sect leader jailed for rape
| work       = [[National Post]]
| date       = May 22, 2014
| access-date = August 31, 2015
| quote      = A South Korean court on Tuesday sentenced Jung Myung-seok, the leader of a fringe religious sect, to six years in jail for raping female followers, a court official said. Jung, 63, the leader of the Jesus Morning Star sect (JMS), fled to China from South Korea in 2001 where he had been charged with selecting followers from photographs and then forcing them to have sex with him.
}}{{dead link|date=October 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
| url          = https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/12/117_29224.html
| title        = Cult Leader Gets 6-Year Prison Term
| work         = The Korea Times
| date         = August 12, 2008
| access-date   = February 28, 2014
| quote        = Notorious cult leader Jung Myung-seok received Tuesday a six-year prison sentence for raping and sexually abusing his female followers.
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20150925185747/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/12/117_29224.html
| archive-date = September 25, 2015
| url-status     = live
| df           = mdy-all
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
| url          = http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2008/08/12/2008081201759.html
| script-title = ko:정명석 JMS총재 징역 6년 선고
| language     = ko
| trans-title  = JMS leader Jung Myung-Seok sentenced to six years in prison
| work         = [[Chosun Ilbo]]
| date         = August 13, 2008
| access-date   = October 29, 2013
| quote        = {{Korean | labels       = no|서울중앙지법 형사26부(재판장 배기열)는 12일 여자 신도들을 성폭행한 혐의로 구속기소된 JMS(기독교복음선교회) 총재 정명석(63)씨에게 징역 6년을 선고했다 }}. (The Seoul Central District Court No. 26 Criminal Division (Justice Bae Ki-yeol) delivered a prison sentence of six years to JMS President Jung Myung-seok, 63, who had been arrested and charged with raping 12 female followers.)
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20131105081109/http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2008/08/12/2008081201759.html
 |archive-date = November 5, 2013
 |url-status     = live
 |df           = mdy-all
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
| last         = 송
| first        = 경호 (Song Gyeong-ho)
| url          = http://www.christiantoday.co.kr/view.htm?id=200699
| script-title = ko:성폭행 혐의 정명석, 항소심 선고 10일로 연기
| trans-title  = Jung Myung-seok sexual assault allegations, asks appeal court to postpone decision 10th
| journal      = Christian Today 크리스천투데이
| date         = February 5, 2009
| url-status      = live
| archive-url   = https://web.archive.org/web/20090207130926/http://christiantoday.co.kr/view.htm?id=200699
| archive-date  = February 7, 2009
| access-date   = September 10, 2015
}}</ref> On February 10, 2009, the [[Seoul High Court]] added four years to the district court's [[sentence (law)|sentence]] of six years, overturning one of the lower court's acquittals and finding Jung guilty on a total of four counts of rape.<ref name="straitstimes">{{cite news
| url         = http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_336458.html
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20101115020432/http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_336458.html
| place       = Singapore
| newspaper   = The Straits Times
| agency      = [[Agence France-Presse]]
| title       = Cult head jailed for sex crimes
| date        = February 10, 2009
| archive-date = November 15, 2010
| access-date  = October 29, 2013
}}</ref><ref name="joongang-supreme-sentence">{{cite news
| url          = http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2900886
| last         = Ser
| first        = Myo-ja
| title        = Cult head gets harsh new sentence
| journal      = Korea JoongAng Daily (JoongAng Ilbo)
| date         = February 11, 2009
| access-date   = August 23, 2015
| quote        = The Seoul High Court ruled yesterday that Jung is guilty of a total four counts of rape, overturning one acquittal and handing down a heavier punishment.
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20150925171141/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2900886
| archive-date = September 25, 2015
| url-status     = live
| df           = mdy-all
}}</ref> Jung appealed his 10 years imprisonment sentence to the Supreme Court of Korea, but the sentence was upheld in April 2009.<ref name="yonhap2009">{{cite news
| url          = http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/society/2009/04/23/0702000000AKR20090423068400004.HTML
| script-title = ko:JMS 정명석 징역 10년 확정
| language     = ko
| trans-title  = Jung Myung-Seok's 10-year prison sentence upheld
| publisher    = [[Yonhap]]
| date         = April 23, 2009
| access-date   = October 29, 2013
| quote        = {{Korean | labels       = no|여신도들을 성폭행한 혐의(강간) 등으로 구속기소된 국제크리스천연합(JMS) 총재 정명석(64)씨에게 징역 10년을 선고한 원심을 확정했다. }}
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20131102092227/http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/society/2009/04/23/0702000000AKR20090423068400004.HTML
 |archive-date = November 2, 2013
 |url-status     = live
 |df           = mdy-all
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
| url          = https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/04/117_43718.html
| title        = Court Upholds 10-Yr Sentence on Cult Leader
| work         = [[The Korea Times]]
| date         = April 23, 2009
| access-date   = March 1, 2014
| quote        = The Supreme Court upheld a 10-year-imprisonment sentence on Jung Myung-suk, the leader of the JMS (Jesus Morning Star) religious cult Thursday for the rape and sexual assault of five Korean female followers. Jung was indicted for sexually assaulting the victims between 2003 and 2006 in Hong Kong, Malaysia and China. A lower court convicted him on three counts sentencing him to a six-year-prison term, but a high court extended this to 10 years convicting him on all five counts.
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20150925185436/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/04/117_43718.html
| archive-date = September 25, 2015
| url-status     = live
| df           = mdy-all
}}</ref>

One of the sexually assaulted women subsequently filed a civil lawsuit against Jung. In its verdict in November 2009 {{Interlanguage link|Seoul Western District Court|ko|3=서울서부지방법원}} ruled that "the plaintiff's right to bodily integrity was violated and she suffered psychological pain as a result of the sexual violence of defendant... The defendant is obligated to compensate plaintiff for her pain." and that Jung should pay {{SK won|50,000,000|link=no}} in compensation.<ref name="Court-rules-50million">{{cite news
| translator         = Schwartzman, Nathan
| url          = http://asiancorrespondent.com/24930/cult-leader-hit-by-new-judgment/
| title        = South Korean cult leader hit by new judgment
| publisher    = [[Asian Correspondent]]
| date         = November 18, 2009
| access-date   = September 20, 2015
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20150109090340/http://asiancorrespondent.com/24930/cult-leader-hit-by-new-judgment/
| archive-date = January 9, 2015
| url-status     = live
| df           = mdy-all
}}; original article: {{cite news
| url          = http://news.joins.com/article/616/3877616.html?
| archive-url   = https://web.archive.org/web/20091119202840/http://news.joins.com/article/616/3877616.html
| archive-date  = November 19, 2009
| script-title = ko:법원, JMS 정명석 5천만원 배상 판결
| language     = ko
| trans-title  = Court rules 50 million won damages against JMS's Jung Myeong-suk
| newspaper    = [[JoongAng Ilbo]]
| agency       = Yonhap News
| date         = November 16, 2009
| url-status      = dead
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
| url          = http://sports.hankooki.com/lpage/lifenjoy/200911/sp2009111619423394470.htm
| script-title = ko: 법원, JMS 정명석 5천만원 배상 판결
| trans-title  = Court orders JMS's Jung Myung Seok to pay 50 million won restitution
| work         = [[Hankook Ilbo]]
| date         = November 16, 2009
| access-date  = 2015-08-18
| language     = ko
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20151223141428/http://sports.hankooki.com/lpage/lifenjoy/200911/sp2009111619423394470.htm
| archive-date = December 23, 2015
| url-status     = live
| df           = mdy-all
}}<!--old url=http://news.hankooki.com/lpage/society/200911/h2009111619424222000.htm--></ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=MBN News |date=13 January 2015 |title=[correction press] religious group resisting investigation...'fled to the foreign country' [정정보도문] 과거 종교집단 수사 저항...교주 '해외도피' |work=MBN News{{!}}TV |url=https://www.mbn.co.kr/news/society/2165825 |url-status=live |access-date=14 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421155923/https://mbn.co.kr/news/society/2165825 |archive-date=April 21, 2020}}</ref>

Jung Myung-seok was subsequently released from jail on February 18, 2018.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-07 |title="정명석에 성폭행 당한 전여친…통화 들킬까봐 영어로 대화" |url=https://www.joongang.co.kr/article/25145371 |access-date=2023-03-08 |website=[[JoongAng Ilbo]] |language=ko}}</ref>

On October 4, 2022, Jung Myung-seok was arrested by the Daejeon District Court on charges of sexually assaulting two women of Hong Kong and Australian nationalities. The alleged rapes were said to have occurred between 2018 and 2021 at JMS's [[Wolmyeongdong]] Sanctuary in [[Geumsan County|Geumsan]]. He is charged and due to stand trial.<ref name=":2" />

On October 8, 2024, the Supreme Court has finalized a 7-year prison sentence for Kim Ji-sun, also known as Jeong Jo-eun, the "second-in-command" of the JMS cult, for aiding and abetting quasi-rape and forcible molestation. In addition to the prison sentence, she has been ordered to complete 80 hours of a sexual violence treatment program and faces a 10-year employment restriction. Other individuals involved, including the civil affairs director and a senior official, received 3 years in prison and a suspended 1 year and 6 months sentence with 3 years of probation, respectively. Two personal secretaries were acquitted.<ref>{{cite news|last=Oh|first=Myung Ok|title='JMS 정명석 성범죄 가담' 2인자 김지선... 대법원, 징역 7년 확정|trans-title="Kim Ji-sun, JMS Deputy Involved in Jung Myung-seok's Sexual Crimes, Sentenced to 7 Years by Supreme Court"|language=ko|url=http://www.churchheresy.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=1482|access-date=10 October 2024|newspaper=Church and Heresy|date=8 October 2024}}</ref>

The court dismissed a lawsuit filed by the cosmetics brand "URG Chamfrey" against "Religion & Truth", seeking approximately 100 million KRW in damages related to reports alleging JMS's financial ties.<ref>{{cite news|last=Park|first=In Jae|title=JMS 자금줄 의혹 '유알지 샹프리', 종교와진리 상대 손해배상소송 '패소'|trans-title=JMS Funding Source Suspect ‘URG Chamfree’ Loses Defamation Lawsuit Against Religion & Truth|language=ko|url=http://www.churchheresy.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=1533|access-date=19 February 2025|newspaper=Church Heresy|date=18 February 2025}}</ref>

On January 9, 2025, the Supreme Court finalized a 17 year prison sentence for Jung Myung-seok.<ref name=jungconviction />

== See also ==
{{Portal|Religion}}
* [[Heterodox teachings (Chinese law)]]
* [[List of messiah claimants]]
* [[Wolmyeongdong]]

== Explanatory notes ==
{{notelist
|refs=
<ref group="lower-alpha" name="kim_jin-ho">According to Kim Jin-ho (김진호), former director of the cult and now representative of the group No JMS (JMS 피해대책협의회); she is quoted as saying "JMS는 현재 여성[[wikt:지도자|지도자]] 10여 명이 상록수를 관리하고 있다 (These are women currently in JMS's leadership, than 10 of them managed the evergreens)"</ref>
<ref group="lower-alpha" name="lesson-levels">First 12 lessons are considered introductory and elementary levels, 13–20 intermediate, and 21–30 advanced.{{harv|Sakurai|2007c|p=5}}</ref>
}}

== References ==
===Citations===
{{reflist|30em
|refs=
<!-- old name ref name="심창섭1997"/ -->
<ref name="sim_chaeng-seop1997">{{cite book
| last  = Sim
| first = Chang-seop ({{lang|ko-Hang|심창섭 }}) |script-title = ko: 기독교의이단들 |trans-title = Christian Heresies |language = ko |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=L3ULAQAAMAAJ |year = 1997 |publisher = 대한예수교장로회총회 |isbn = 978-89-88327-28-9 |page = 274 |access-date = October 23, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170215191556/https://books.google.com/books?id=L3ULAQAAMAAJ |archive-date = February 15, 2017 |url-status = live |df = mdy-all }}</ref>

<ref name="Christian-times-mushrooms">{{cite news
| last  = Sin
| first = Dong-myeong ({{lang|ko-Hang|신동명 }}) |script-title = ko: "테러·성폭행 ... 독버섯처럼 자라고 있다" :'JMS' 탈퇴 지도자들, 실체폭로 기자회견 |trans-title = 'Terrorism, Rape, growing like poison mushrooms': JMS defected leader(s) hold press conference revealing actual goings-on |journal = {{ill|The Christian Times|ko|기독교타임즈}} |date = April 6, 2012 |url = http://www.kmctimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=33690 |access-date = April 11, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150414232354/http://www.kmctimes.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=33690 |archive-date = April 14, 2015 |url-status = live |df = mdy-all }}</ref>

<!-- <ref name="Christian-times-overseas-sex-scandal">{{cite news
| last         = 김
| first        = 대원
| url          = http://www.christiantoday.co.kr/view.htm?id=185646
| script-title = ko: 정명석(JMS) 해외 성추문...파문∙의혹‘계속’
| language     = ko
| trans-title  = Jung Myung-seok (JMS) overseas sex scandals.. shockwaves and suspicions 'continue'
| work         = Christian Today
| date         = November 2, 2002
| url-status      = live
| archive-url   = https://web.archive.org/web/20040910164757/http://christiantoday.us/sub_read.html?uid=310&section=section13
| archive-date  = September 10, 2004
}}</ref> -->

<ref name="hyundae_jongyo7">{{Harvnb|Hyundae Jongyo|2007}}: "{{Korean|labels=no|정명석은 1975년도에 측근 신도들에게 통일교 창시자 문선명의 사명은 끝났고 1978년부터 자신의 사명이 시작됐다고 공언하기도 했다}} (Jung Myung-seok in 1975 openly told close inner-circle members that the mission of Unification Church founder [[Sun Myung Moon]] has ended, and from 1978, his mission has begun)".</ref>

<!--ref name="inch7" {{cite web
| url = http://www.hdjongkyo.co.kr/html/sup01_1.html?Hid=7
}} (Hyndae Jongyo's website. Converted to ref name="hyndae_jongyo7" or "{{sfnp|Hyundae Jongyo|2007}}"-->

<ref name="newsnjoy-jeong-naked">{{cite news
| last         = Jeong
| first        = Jae-won
| work = 뉴스앤조이
| url          = http://www.newsnjoy.or.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=37401
| script-title = ko: '나체 동영상' 파문으로 다시 주목받는 JMS
| language     = ko
| trans-title  = JMS: 'Naked' video again in the spotlight
| publisher    = [[:ko:뉴스앤조이|NewsNJoy]]
| quote        = {{Korean | labels       = no|논란이 된 동영상에 대해서는 "5년 이상 지난 과거의 영상이며, 성상납의 증거가 될 수 없다"고 반박했다 }} ([The JMS members-distributed pamphlet] retorted that regarding the controversial videos "were footages from at least 5 years ago, and cannot be evidence for sex bribery).
 |date         = April 4, 2012
 |url-access=registration |archive-url   = https://web.archive.org/web/20150927120814/http://www.newsnjoy.or.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=37401
 |archive-date  = September 27, 2015
 |access-date  = August 28, 2015
 |url-status     = live
 |df           = mdy-all
}}</ref>

<ref name="newsnjoy-yangjeong-Nov2broadcast">{{cite news
| last         = Yangjeong
| first        = Jee-geon (양정지건)
| work = 뉴스앤조이
| url          = http://www.newsnjoy.or.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=37401
| script-title = ko:<속보> SBS '그것이 알고 싶다' 방송 결정
| language     = ko
| trans-title  = Breaking News:SBS 'I Want to Know It" broadcast ruling
| publisher    = [[:ko:뉴스앤조이|NewsNJoy]]
| date         = November 2, 2002
| access-date  = August 28, 2015
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20150927120814/http://www.newsnjoy.or.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=37401
| archive-date = September 27, 2015
| url-status     = live
| df           = mdy-all
}}</ref>

<ref name="kyodo">{{cite web
| url         = http://www.religionnewsblog.com/15459/setsuri-south-korean-cult-merges-sex-with-prayer
| title       = South Korean cult merges sex with prayer
| publisher   = [[Kyodo News]] Service, Japan
| date        = July 27, 2006
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20080423023134/http://www.religionnewsblog.com/15459/setsuri-south-korean-cult-merges-sex-with-prayer
| archive-date = April 23, 2008
| access-date  = May 13, 2016
| quote       = Jung honed his sagely credentials as an acolyte of South Korea's Unification Church. ... Its Bible-based teaching is similar to that of the Unification Church but departs from it.
}}<!-- Formerly used website=ICSA ([[International Cultic Studies Association]]; old url=http://www.icsahome.com/view_document.asp?ID=38296 Old archiveurlhttps://web.archive.org/web/20131227161228/http://www.icsahome.com/view_document.asp?ID=38296--> (Kyodo's story sources the July 28, 2006 issue of {{interlanguage link|Friday (magazine){{!}}''Friday''|ja|フライデー}} weekly magazine).</ref>

<ref name="mainichi-kokunai-2000">{{Cite news
 |script-title = ja: <韓国新興宗教＞「摂理」信者国内に２千人 教祖を告訴も
 |language     = ja
 |trans-title  = South Korean new religion Setsuri, members in Japan 2000, even lawsuits against leader
 |journal= Mainichi Shimbun
 |date         = August 8, 2006
 |url          = http://www.mainichi-msn.co.jp/today/news/m20060808k0000m040119000c.html
 |archive-url   = https://web.archive.org/web/20151210133313/http://www.bing.com/search?q=mainichi-msn%20co&form=MSDTR1
 |archive-date  = December 10, 2015
 |access-date   = May 15, 2016
}} [http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~am6k-kzhr/sokuho.htm Alt URL] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406022836/http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~am6k-kzhr/sokuho.htm |date=April 6, 2016 }}</ref><!--dead link http://d.hatena.ne.jp/sumita-m/20060807/1154966739-->

<ref name="nam-sangmun">{{cite news
| last         = Nam
| first        = Sang-mun ( 남상문, Production Director for SBS)
| script-title = ko:[연출노트] 밝혀진 JMS 실체 용기있는 피해자들 '공'
| trans-title  = (Production Notes) JMS's true form revealed, courageous victim named 'Gong'
| journal      = [[The Hankyoreh]]
| date         = May 2001
| url          = http://www.hani.co.kr/section-009100004/2001/05/p009100004200105181823181.html
}}{{dead link|date=February 2024|bot=medic}}</ref>

<ref name="pdjournal-sbs-iwtk-after-July99">{{cite news
| ref = {{SfnRef|PD Journal|1999 }} |author=''PD Journal'' staff |url=http://www.pdjournal.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=1280 |script-title=ko:<그것이 알고싶다-JMS, 그후> 방영 |language=ko |trans-title='I Want to Know It', JMS - the aftermath airs |publisher=PD Journal |date=July 21, 1999 |access-date=May 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808005339/http://www.pdjournal.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=1280 |archive-date=August 8, 2016 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

<ref name="sakurai-on-sbs&exodus">{{Harvnb|Sakurai|2006|p=142}}: {{Nihongo2|民放各社が報じた女性信者と乱舞する鄭明析の映像も加えて。これは1999 年3 月20 日に韓国のテレビ局SBS が視聴率34.4%
を記録した特集の映像クリップであり,2 回分2 時間にわたる摂理批判は被害の実態、摂理側の問題隠蔽工作等、余すことなく伝えている。韓国における摂理批判はこの後本格化し、摂理批判と元信者の相談にのるエクソダスも同年に設立されたのである.}} ([My lectures] included the use of the video of Jung Myeong-suk frolicking with female members. This was a video clip from the program devoted [to the topic] aired by the South Korean TV station SBS with 34.4% rating. The two shows running 2 hours long critique of Providence reported comprehensively on the realities of victimization, and Providence's machinations to cover-up the issue. Criticism began full force after this against Providence in South Korea. The same year EXODUS was established, which criticizes Providence and provides counseling to ex-members)</ref>

<ref name="song-joongang">{{cite news
| url   = http://news.joins.com/article/7708924
| last  = Song
| first = Ju-youl ({{lang|ko-Hang|송주열 }}) |script-title=ko: JMS, 탈퇴자 테러 지시...성상납 돕는 조직 '상록수' 실체 드러나 |trans-title=JMS ordered terror on its defectors.. the evergreen organization that helps sex bribery. Real circumstances revealed |newspaper=[[JoongAng Ilbo]] |date=March 25, 2012 |access-date=May 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928092359/http://news.joins.com/article/7708924 |archive-date=September 28, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }} (from CBS NoCut News)</ref>

<ref name="song-newspower">{{cite news
| url   = http://www.newspower.co.kr/sub_read.html?uid=19179
| last  = Song
| first = Ju-youl ({{lang|ko-Hang|송주열 }}) |script-title=ko: JMS 정명석, 탈퇴자에 대한 테러 지시 |trans-title=JMS's Jung Myung Seok ordered terror on defectors |journal=Newspower |date=March 28, 2012 |access-date=July 29, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927133444/http://www.newspower.co.kr/sub_read.html?uid=19179 |archive-date=September 27, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

<ref name="song-nocut">{{cite news
| translator         = Schwartzman, Nathan
| url          = http://asiancorrespondent.com/79421/seoul-former-jms-cult-members-tell-their-stories/
| title        = Seoul: Former JMS cult members tell their stories
| publisher    = [[Asian Correspondent]]
| date         = April 2, 2012
| access-date   = September 20, 2015
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20150716075906/http://asiancorrespondent.com/79421/seoul-former-jms-cult-members-tell-their-stories/
| archive-date = July 16, 2015
| url-status     = live
| df           = mdy-all
}}; original article: {{cite news
| last  = Song
| first = Ju-youl ({{lang|ko-Hang|송주열 }}) |department = CBS (Korea) Newsroom |url = http://www.nocutnews.co.kr/news/4249126 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150109110855/http://www.nocutnews.co.kr/news/4249126 |archive-date = January 9, 2015 |script-title = ko:JMS 정명석, 탈퇴자에 대한 테러 지시 |language = ko |trans-title = Jung Myung-Seok orders terror on JMS defectors |newspaper = [[No Cut News]] |date = March 28, 2012 }}</ref>

<ref name="tamaki">{{citation
| last         = Tamaki
| first        = Nanako (玉木 奈々子)
| script-title = ja:「摂理」事件に関するテレビ報道の内容分析
| trans-title  = A Content Analysis of TV's Coverage of the Case of "Setsuri"
| journal      = 宗教研究 (Shūkyō Kenkyū)
| volume       = 81
| number       = 4
| year         = 2008
| pages        = 1209–1210
}}</ref>

<ref name="ucsd-guardian">{{cite web
| url         = http://ucsdguardian.org/?p=8108
| title       = Alleged Cult Sows Seeds Via Campus Event 
| publisher   = The Guardian, University of California, San Diego, USA
| date        = November 13, 2006
| access-date  = March 1, 2014
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20140306111053/http://ucsdguardian.org/?p=8108
| archive-date = March 6, 2014
| quote       = Members of a controversial religious group, led by an international fugitive wanted for numerous instances of alleged rape and sexual assault of female members, recently held an event at UCSD, which included a modeling show featuring young women, singing and videotaped religious messages from the group's founder&nbsp;– hallmarks of the group's tactics to recruit new members. The group, known as the Global Association of Culture and Peace, was established by 61-year-old South Korean national Jung Myung Seok, who also goes by the name Joshua Jung. The group, widely regarded by international press as a cult, also goes by several other names, including JMS, Providence, Setsuri and the Bright Smile Movement.
}}</ref>

<ref name="yonhap-sbs-iwanttoknow-after-July99">{{cite news
 |last         = Jung
 |first        = Yeol (정열 / passion)<!--"passion" is the nickname/handle name used by this writer whose name is homophone of jungnyeol meaning passion-->
 |url          = http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=103&oid=001&aid=0004416956
 |script-title = ko:SBS「그것이 알고싶다」'JMS, 그후'
 |language     = ko
 |trans-title  = SBS 'I Want to Know It", the aftermath
 |publisher    = Yonhap
 |date         = July 21, 1999
 |access-date  = May 15, 2016
 |archive-date = September 17, 2020
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20200917095642/https://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=103&oid=001&aid=0004416956
 |url-status   = live
}}</ref>
}}

===Bibliography===
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite book
| ref = {{SfnRef|Hyundae Jongyo|2002 }} |author = Hyundae Jongyo/Information Network on Christian Heresy |script-title=ko: 자칭 한국의 재림주들 |language=ko |trans-title=Self-proclaimed Second-Coming Messiahs of South Korea |publisher =Hyundae Jongyo ([[:ko:현대종교|현대종교]])  |url = http://www.kyobobook.co.kr/product/detailViewKor.laf?mallGb=KOR&ejkGb=KOR&barcode=2008241000146 |date = April 27, 2002 }}
<!--"inch7" -->
* {{citation |ref={{SfnRef|Hyundae Jongyo|2007 }} |author=Hyundae Jongyo/Information Network on Christian Heresy |url=http://www.hdjongkyo.co.kr/html/sup01_1.html?Hid=7 |script-title=ko: 기독교복음선교회(舊 JMS) |language=ko |title=Christian Gospel Mission (fmr. JMS) |publisher=Hyundae Jongyo ([[:ko:현대종교|현대종교]]) |year=2007 |access-date=November 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006135029/http://www.hdjongkyo.co.kr/html/sup01_1.html?Hid=7 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |url-status=dead }}
* {{cite book
| last       = Luca
| author-link = Nathalie Luca
| first      = Nathalie
| title      = Le salut par le foot: une ethnologue chez un messie coréen
| url        = https://books.google.com/books?id=kh0i-Rmu_SAC
| date       = January 1, 1997
| publisher  = Labor et Fides
| isbn       = 978-2-8309-0787-2
| pages      = 14–
| language   = fr
}}
* {{cite journal
|last = Sakurai |first = Yoshihide |script-title=ja: 「摂理」は大学のキャンパスにいる カルトの被害をどう食い止めるか |trans-title='Setsuri' are here among the university campus: how to stem victimization by cults |journal = 中央公論 |date = October 2006 |volume = 121 |issue = 10 |pages = 142–149 |url = http://eprints.lib.hokudai.ac.jp/dspace/handle/2115/17100 }}
* {{citation
|last = Sakurai |first = Yoshihide |script-title=ja:カルト問題と格差社会との関連 |trans-title=The context of social disparity and the cult problem |language=ja |work = 宗教と現代がわかる本 [Religion in the Modern World] |date = March 2007a |pages = 140–143 |url = http://eprints.lib.hokudai.ac.jp/dspace/handle/2115/35495 }}<!--quote= 人間の始祖、アダムとイブは堕天使ルシファーにより誘惑され、成長以前に不義の性交を行い（元摂理信者のノートによれば、禁断の木の実を食べたイブは当時 14 歳であった！）(The first humans, Adam and Eve engaged in underage intercourse -- according to Providence believers, Eve was 14 when she partake of the forbidden fruit!) -->
* {{citation
|last = Sakurai |first = Yoshihide |script-title=ja:日本のカルト問題 : 「摂理」を事例に|trans-title=Japan's cult problem: a case study of 'Providence' |journal = 日本近代学会大会 [Japan Modern Society] |date = May 18, 2007b |url = http://eprints.lib.hokudai.ac.jp/dspace/handle/2115/35238 }}
* {{citation
|last = Sakurai |first = Yoshihide |script-title=ja:キャンパス内のカルト問題 : 学生はなぜ「摂理」に入るのか? |language=ja, en |trans-title=Cult Problems on Campus : Why were students involved in the "Setsuri" (Providence) cult group? |journal = Journal of Higher Education and Lifelong Learning |volume = 15 |date = December 2007c |pages = 1–14 |url = http://eprints.lib.hokudai.ac.jp/dspace/handle/2115/33015 }}
* {{cite book
| last         = Tahk
| first        = Myeong Hwan [[:ko:탁명환|탁명환]], [[:ja:卓明煥|卓明煥]]
| script-title = ja:기독교 이단 연구
| trans-title  = Study on Christian cults
| year         = 1986
| publisher    = 국제 종교 문제 연구소
| url          = https://books.google.com/books?id=dZHmAAAAMAAJ
}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Wikinews|Four Korean women accuse JMS leader Jeong Myeong-seok of rape}}
* {{Official website|http://jungmyungseok.net/}}
* [http://www.apologeticsindex.org/416-jung-myung-seok Apologetics Index – Jung Myung Seok entry]

[[Category:Christian denominations in South Korea]]
[[Category:Christianity in South Korea]]
[[Category:Christian new religious movements]]
[[Category:Sexual abuse scandals and religion]]
[[Category:Providence (religious movement)]]
[[Category:New religious movements established in the 1980s]]
[[Category:Korean new religions]]