Jung Myung Seok, founder of the South Korean religious cult JMS, sentenced to 23 years in prison by the district court for raping followers of his church

On December 22 KST, the 12th Criminal Division of the Daejeon District Court sentenced Jung Myung Seok (78), the founder of the Christian religious cult JMS (Jesus Morning Star, also known as Providence), to 23 years in prison for sexually assaulting three of his female followers from 2018 through 2021.

The infamous cult founder, whose heinous sexual crimes against female members of his church once again came to light earlier this year through the Netflix docuseries 'In the Name of God: A Holy Betrayal', was once sentenced to 10 years in prison between 2008 and 2018 after being found guilty of sexually abusing and assaulting four female followers from 2001 through 2006. Immediately after being released from 2018, Jung Myung Seok proceeded to commit sexual crimes within his church once again, this time sexually abusing and assaulting three female followers of JMS 23 times between February of 2018 through September of 2021. Two of the victims are known to be former JMS members of foreign nationality. 

Initially, the prosecution demanded a total of 30 years in prison for Jung Myung Seok, claiming, "In February 2009, Jung Myung Seok was sentenced to 10 years in prison for raping female members of his church. After his release from prison in February of 2018, Jung showed no signs of reflection, immediately committing the same crimes again, this time against 3 victims for a period of approximately 3 years."

The prosecution continued, "Jung and his JMS followers brainwashed the victims into thinking that Jung was a messiah, then abused their faith to commit sexual crimes. The victims are currently suffering from severe trauma and wish to see Jung facing harsh punishment." 

Meanwhile, the JMS cult, founded by Jung Myung Seok in 1980, is believed to be a massive cult with several overseas branches. Key leaders of the cult have also attempted to destroy or temper evidence related to Jung Myung Seok's sexual crimes, even going to lengths as to countersue victims for defamation and accusing them of lying and fabricating stories. 

While the possibility of Jung's side appealing the court decision remains open, it's also known that 18 additional victims have reported Jung for sexual assault, and investigations surrounding these cases are still ongoing.