DKZ’s Kyoungyoon family is accused of being part of the JMS cult, his agency replies, netizens react

On March 3, streaming platform Netflix released a documentary titled “In the Name of God, a Holy Betrayal.”

Exploring the chilling true stories of four Korean leaders who claim to be prophets, this documentary unveils the dark side of unconditional faith.

Specifically, the documentary reveals the truth behind Providence, better known as JMS, and the crimes of its founder, Jung Myung Seok, who is described as grooming and sexually exploiting many of his young followers.

In the wake of the documentary’s popularity, a list of addresses allegedly linked to the JMS sect circulated online, and one of these attracted attention as it was the address of a café owned by the DKZ member’s parents Kyoungyoon is operated.

The K-pop industry was therefore shocked to learn that DKZ member Kyoungyoon and his family were allegedly members of the cult.

It has since been revealed that the café run by the idol’s family is affiliated with a local church called Youngduk Ju Mideum (Youngduk Trust In God), one of the churches listed as belonging to the JMS cult.

Agency response

On March 7, Dongyo Entertainment released the following statement in response to the reports:

“First of all, we would like to apologize to anyone who may have felt uncomfortable with content posted to an online community today.

With regard to the family business of DKZ member Kyoungyoon, which is currently being discussed online and in social media, after consultation with Kyoungyoon and his family, it turns out that information could be obtained from many people beforehand and the contents of the documentation could be viewed. He believed that the organization in question was simply an ordinary church attended by his parents and he had never seen or been aware of the information contained in the documentation.

When Kyoungyoon learned the truth today, he personally checked the contents of the documentary and could not contain his horror.

The business his family ran immediately ceased operations, and after examining all aspects of the organization involved, they left the Church at the same time. We also make it clear to you that you will have no connection with [l’organisation] in the future.

As someone whose job it is to receive much love, [Kyoungyoon] deeply apologizes for not being able to adequately address the issues affecting him.

While ignorance is no excuse, he never had the slightest desire to act on behalf of the organization in question or defend its crimes, so we urge you to refrain from speculation or exaggerated mentions.

Again, we apologize to anyone who has felt uncomfortable about this matter and our agency will assist as well [Kyoungyoon] so that he can become an artist who examines his environment and all the questions that move him more closely. »

reaction of internet users

However, netizens are skeptical of claims in the statement that Kyoungyoon’s family was unaware of the church’s ties to JMS.

In a previous interview, Kyoungyoon said he is a Christian and his aunt pastor who always prays for him and DKZ.

He said : “People from churches across the country who know my aunt pray by name for every DKZ member,” and expressed how he hopes the prayers will help his members work hard without getting tired.

During a radio show, Kyoungwoon revealed: “I have an aunt who is like immediate family to me. She wrote down each member’s name and sent a congratulatory message. »

People suspect that Kyoungwoon is connected to his family’s religion due to his close relationship with his pastor aunt, and netizens are demanding an explanation from the singer.

Suspicions continued when netizens pointed out that the character font used by Kyoungwoon’s parents’ cafe is similar to JMS’s character font.

Additionally, they suspect that if the parents were able to run the church cafe, they were at a high level of authority — at least a managerial or managerial level.

Finally, a netizen posted on an online community explaining that the café is known to be a place where many members of the JMS sect meet and that it was even bought by the church and then turned into a family café (by showing a title deed).

The author argues that it made no sense that a coffee shop run by someone who did not have deep ties to the church should be designated as a place to be avoided by victims of the church in various online communities.

Netizens expressed shock and disappointment after reading the author’s post.

• “He’s only saying that because it’s a problem now. It doesn’t make sense that he doesn’t know the JMS (which his church was affiliated with). »
• “Do you think there are fans who converted there? »
• “Do you still think that (his family) were just simple cafe owners when the church purposely opened the cafe for them? »
• “Instead of believing that the member has left the church, I think it would be quicker to exclude them and prevent them from contacting other members. »
• “I wanted to see what was added and I’m stunned when I see the land register. It’s really shocking and if he’s really sorry he should leave the group. »
• “Wow… Most of his fans are probably female and while their ages can vary, they should mostly be in their 20’s. The plot is insane. I have the chills. »
• “This guy needs to leave (the group). »
• “So this (place) was bought by the church and turned into a cafe for them? It’s crazy. »
• “At this point in time, he and his family members are a criminal organization. »

What do you think ?