Jeong Myeong-seok: The Controversial Founder of Providence/JMS and Alleged Cult Leader

Jeong Myeong-seok (정명석) is a South Korean religious leader who founded the controversial religious group known as Providence in 1980. The group, which also goes by the name of Jesus Morning Star (JMS), has been accused of being a cult, and Jeong has faced multiple allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct.

Born in 1945 in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, Jeong was raised in a devout Presbyterian family. After attending a seminary, he worked as a pastor in a Presbyterian church for several years before leaving to start his own religious group.

Providence/JMS has been described as a new religious movement that combines elements of Christianity, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Its teachings emphasize the importance of spiritual purification and salvation, with Jeong seen as a messianic figure who can lead his followers to salvation.

However, over the years, the group has faced numerous accusations of being a cult, with former members alleging that Jeong exerts extreme control over his followers and engages in abusive behavior. There have also been allegations of financial impropriety and the mistreatment of members.

In 2007, Jeong was arrested in Taiwan on charges of sexual assault, and he was extradited to South Korea in 2009 to face additional charges of rape and sexual assault. In 2010, he was found guilty of rape and sentenced to ten years in prison, with the court ruling that he had used his position of authority to coerce women into having sex with him.

Despite the controversies surrounding Jeong and Providence/JMS, the group continues to exist and has reportedly expanded its operations to other countries, including Japan and the United States. Critics have called for greater scrutiny of the group and for measures to protect vulnerable individuals from its potentially harmful practices.

In conclusion, Jeong Myeong-seok is a highly controversial figure in South Korea and beyond, known for his leadership of the religious group Providence/JMS and facing numerous allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct. While some view him as a spiritual leader, others consider him a dangerous cult leader who has caused significant harm to his followers.