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Jung Myung-seok fled South Korea in 1999 after Korean television broadcaster [[SBS TV (South Korean TV channel)|SBS]] aired its expose on the alleged sex crimes of Jung on March 20, 1999. He hid in Hong Kong and Mainland China for years before he was extradited from Beijing, China in February 2008 to face the charges in South Korea.<ref name=":5" />
Jung Myung-seok fled South Korea in 1999 after Korean television broadcaster [[SBS TV (South Korean TV channel)|SBS]] aired its expose on the alleged sex crimes of Jung on March 20, 1999. He hid in Hong Kong and Mainland China for years before he was extradited from Beijing, China in February 2008 to face the charges in South Korea.<ref name=":5" />


While leader Jung was on the run, Providence (then known mostly as JMS) continued publishing Jung’s sermons online, providing telephone counseling and holding overseas events for their followers.<ref>{{Cite web |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=2023-03-11 |website=www.kukmindaily.co.kr |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-05-22 |title=韩国“淫乱教主”郑明析中国落网 |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925210318/http://news.xinhuanet.com/world/2007-05/22/content_6135125.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/world/2007-05/22/content_6135125.htm |archive-date=2015-09-25 |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=web.archive.org}}</ref>
While leader Jung was on the run, Providence (then known mostly as JMS) continued publishing Jung’s sermons online, providing telephone counseling and holding overseas events for their followers.<ref>{{Cite web |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=2023-03-11 |website=www.kukmindaily.co.kr |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-05-22 |title=韩国“淫乱教主”郑明析中国落网 |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925210318/http://news.xinhuanet.com/world/2007-05/22/content_6135125.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/world/2007-05/22/content_6135125.htm |archive-date=2015-09-25 |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=web.archive.org}}</ref> Besides being prosecuted in South Korea, Jung was also indicted by Taiwanese District Prosecutor's Office on charges of rape in 2003 but failed to appear in court. He remains wanted by the Taiwan Taipei District Prosecutor's Office until the arrest warrant expires in 2027.<ref>{{Cite web |last=TVBS |title=攝理教主鄭明析魔爪伸台灣！涉性侵上百女大生 北檢通緝時效曝│TVBS新聞網 |url=https://news.tvbs.com.tw/local/2060631 |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=TVBS |language=zh-tw}}</ref><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>
Besides being prosecuted in South Korea, Jung was also indicted by Taiwanese District Prosecutor's Office on charges of rape in 2003 but failed to appear in court. He remains wanted by the Taiwan Taipei District Prosecutor's Office until the arrest warrant expires in 2027.<ref>{{Cite web |last=TVBS |title=攝理教主鄭明析魔爪伸台灣！涉性侵上百女大生 北檢通緝時效曝│TVBS新聞網 |url=https://news.tvbs.com.tw/local/2060631 |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=TVBS |language=zh-tw}}</ref><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>


Besides being prosecuted in South Korea, Jung was also indicted by Taiwanese District Prosecutor's Office on charges of rape in 2003 but failed to appear in court. He remains wanted by the Taiwan Taipei District Prosecutor's Office until the arrest warrant expires in 2027.<ref>{{Cite web |last=TVBS |title=攝理教主鄭明析魔爪伸台灣！涉性侵上百女大生 北檢通緝時效曝│TVBS新聞網 |url=https://news.tvbs.com.tw/local/2060631 |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=TVBS |language=zh-tw}}</ref><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>
Besides being prosecuted in South Korea, Jung was also indicted by Taiwanese District Prosecutor's Office on charges of rape in 2003 but failed to appear in court. He remains wanted by the Taiwan Taipei District Prosecutor's Office until the arrest warrant expires in 2027.<ref>{{Cite web |last=TVBS |title=攝理教主鄭明析魔爪伸台灣！涉性侵上百女大生 北檢通緝時效曝│TVBS新聞網 |url=https://news.tvbs.com.tw/local/2060631 |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=TVBS |language=zh-tw}}</ref><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 bail. When Hong Kong authorities approved [[extradition]] to Korea, Jung fled the extradition hearing.<ref name="sisapress" /><ref name="theaustralian">{{cite news |date=May 15, 2007 |title=Asian Cult Leader Arrested |work=[[The Australian]] |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/asian-cult-leader-arrested/story-e6frg6so-1111113538594 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 24, 2015 |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.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=September 21, 2003 |title=Ask the Police |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 |access-date=November 21, 2006 |publisher=[[Law enforcement in South Korea|Korean National Police Agency]] |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 |date=January 2, 2008 |title=Accused rapist cult leader faces extradition to Korea |url=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22998981-23109,00.html |url-status=dead |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}}</ref> An [[Interpol Red Notice]] was issued on Jung in 2004.<ref name="cult_leader_extradited">{{cite news |date=February 21, 2008 |title=Cult Leader Extradited to Korea |work=[[The Korea Times]] |url=http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/02/113_19368.html |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 |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 |date=July 31, 2006 |title=Lawyers eye cult rape accusations |work=Japan Times |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2006/07/31/national/lawyers-eye-cult-rape-accusations/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 31, 2015 |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 |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. |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">{{cite news |date=May 17, 2007 |title=Founder of cult captured in China after eight years |newspaper=Korea JoongAng Daily |url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2875640 |url-status=live |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 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> 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>
Jung was arrested in Hong Kong in July 2003 for overstaying his visa, but was released three days later on bail. When Hong Kong authorities approved [[extradition]] to Korea, Jung fled the extradition hearing.<ref name="theaustralian">{{cite news |date=May 15, 2007 |title=Asian Cult Leader Arrested |work=[[The Australian]] |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/asian-cult-leader-arrested/story-e6frg6so-1111113538594 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 24, 2015 |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.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=September 21, 2003 |title=Ask the Police |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 |access-date=November 21, 2006 |publisher=[[Law enforcement in South Korea|Korean National Police Agency]] |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 |date=January 2, 2008 |title=Accused rapist cult leader faces extradition to Korea |url=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22998981-23109,00.html |url-status=dead |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}}</ref> An [[Interpol Red Notice]] was issued on Jung in 2003 for multiple counts of fraud, sexual crimes and embezzlement.<ref name="cult_leader_extradited">{{cite news |date=February 21, 2008 |title=Cult Leader Extradited to Korea |work=[[The Korea Times]] |url=http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/02/113_19368.html |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 |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><ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-05-16 |title=Founder of cult captured in China after eight years |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2007/05/16/socialAffairs/Founder-of-cult-captured-in-China-after-eight-years/2875640.html |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=koreajoongangdaily.joins.com |language=en}}</ref> In 2006, South Korean authorities put Jung on an international wanted list on rape charges,<ref name="lawyers_eye_cult">{{cite news |date=July 31, 2006 |title=Lawyers eye cult rape accusations |work=Japan Times |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2006/07/31/national/lawyers-eye-cult-rape-accusations/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 31, 2015 |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 |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. |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">{{cite news |date=May 17, 2007 |title=Founder of cult captured in China after eight years |newspaper=Korea JoongAng Daily |url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2875640 |url-status=live |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 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> 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>


Jung was reportedly 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=live |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">
Jung was reportedly 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=live |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=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,272712,00.html |url-status=dead |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}}
{{cite news |date=May 16, 2007 |title=Alleged South Korean Rape Cult Leader Arrested in China |publisher=[[Fox News Channel]] |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,272712,00.html |url-status=dead |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> The Liaoning Provincial Higher People's Court 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 in February 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-02-20 |title=Cult boss extradited to face sex raps |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2008/02/20/socialAffairs/Cult-boss-extradited-to-face-sex-raps/2886496.html |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=koreajoongangdaily.joins.com |language=en}}</ref> Jung was also charged with fraud and embezzlement of church funds.
</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> Jung was questioned by the Chinese authorities for sexual assault he allegedly committed in China.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-05-16 |title=Founder of cult captured in China after eight years |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2007/05/16/socialAffairs/Founder-of-cult-captured-in-China-after-eight-years/2875640.html |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=koreajoongangdaily.joins.com |language=en}}</ref> The Liaoning Provincial Higher People's Court 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 in February 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-02-20 |title=Cult boss extradited to face sex raps |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2008/02/20/socialAffairs/Cult-boss-extradited-to-face-sex-raps/2886496.html |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=koreajoongangdaily.joins.com |language=en}}</ref> Jung was also charged with fraud and embezzlement of church funds.


Seoul prosecutors indicted him on five charges of sexually assaulting five female followers from 2001 to 2006 in Malaysia, Hong Kong and China. Jung was convicted on three counts of rape, acquitted on one count, and one case was dismissed because the victim dropped the charges.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-02-23 |title=Religious sect leader formally arrested on rape charges |url=https://en.yna.co.kr/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119041105/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/national/2008/02/23/56/0302000000AEN20080223001200315F.HTML |archive-date=2016-01-19 |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=[[Yonhap News Agency]] |language=en}}</ref>
Seoul prosecutors indicted him on five charges of sexually assaulting five female followers from 2001 to 2006 in Malaysia, Hong Kong and China. Jung was convicted on three counts of rape, acquitted on one count, and one case was dismissed because the victim dropped the charges.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-02-23 |title=Religious sect leader formally arrested on rape charges |url=https://en.yna.co.kr/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119041105/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/national/2008/02/23/56/0302000000AEN20080223001200315F.HTML |archive-date=2016-01-19 |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=[[Yonhap News Agency]] |language=en}}</ref>

Revision as of 07:45, 11 March 2023

In this Korean name, the family name is Jung.
Jung Myung-seok
Jung Myung-seok, founder of Providence
Born (1945-03-16) March 16, 1945 (age 79)
Wolmyeongdong,Geumsan County,Zenrahoku-dō, Japanese Korea
NationalitySouth Korean
Other namesJeong Myeong-seok, Joshua Jung
OccupationReligious leader
Known forFounder of Providence
Criminal chargesSexual assault
Criminal penalty10-year imprisonment
Korean name
Hangul
Hanja
Revised RomanizationJeong Myeong-seok
McCune–ReischauerChŏng Myŏng-sŏk

Jung Myung-seok (Korean: 정명석; Hanja: 鄭明錫[1]) is a South Korean religious cult leader and convicted rapist. He is the founder and leader of Providence, also known as Christian Gospel Mission (CGM) or Jesus Morning Star (JMS),[2][3] a Christian new religious movement that is commonly referred to as a Christian sect or cult.[4][5][6][7][8][9][10]

Jung is a self-proclaimed messiah.[11][7] He founded Providence in 1980 and the religious group is headquartered in Wol Myeong-dong, South Korea,[9] and the group has since expanded to Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia and other countries.[12]

In April 2009, the leader Jung Myung-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.[13] He was again indicted in South Korea on October 28, 2022, for sexually assaulting a follower from Hong Kong and sexually abusing an Australian follower.[14]

He is also known by the names of Joshua Jung, Joshua Lee and Pastor Joshua.[15]

Early life

Jung Myung-seok was born in 1945.[16][17][18] He is also known by the names of Joshua Jung, Joshua Lee and Pastor Joshua.[15][19][20] According to an interview with Providence's Director of External Affairs in 2020, Jung graduated from the Methodist Wesley Theological Seminary in 1983, completed an executive management program at the graduate school of Administration, Chungnam University in 1998 and received an honorary doctorate of philosophy from Open International University under UNESCO (Sri Lanka) in 2001.[21]

Founding of the Providence movement (1980-1998)

Jung Myung-seok joined as a member of the Unification Church in 1974,[1] where he taught briefly in 1978. In 1980, he founded the Ae-chun Church or Church of Providence. Its religious events are held in university football stadiums, sometimes in the form of football matches.

Exile and conviction for rape (1999-2008)

Jung Myung-seok fled South Korea in 1999 after Korean television broadcaster SBS aired its expose on the alleged sex crimes of Jung on March 20, 1999. He hid in Hong Kong and Mainland China for years before he was extradited from Beijing, China in February 2008 to face the charges in South Korea.[5]

While leader Jung was on the run, Providence (then known mostly as JMS) continued publishing Jung’s sermons online, providing telephone counseling and holding overseas events for their followers.[22][23] Besides being prosecuted in South Korea, Jung was also indicted by Taiwanese District Prosecutor's Office on charges of rape in 2003 but failed to appear in court. He remains wanted by the Taiwan Taipei District Prosecutor's Office until the arrest warrant expires in 2027.[24][25]

Besides being prosecuted in South Korea, Jung was also indicted by Taiwanese District Prosecutor's Office on charges of rape in 2003 but failed to appear in court. He remains wanted by the Taiwan Taipei District Prosecutor's Office until the arrest warrant expires in 2027.[26][27]

Jung was arrested in Hong Kong in July 2003 for overstaying his visa, but was released three days later on bail. When Hong Kong authorities approved extradition to Korea, Jung fled the extradition hearing.[28][29][30] An Interpol Red Notice was issued on Jung in 2003 for multiple counts of fraud, sexual crimes and embezzlement.[31][32] In 2006, South Korean authorities put Jung on an international wanted list on rape charges,[33] and after learning that Jung had fled to China, the South Korean government officially asked China in November 2006 to extradite him.[34] 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.[35]

Jung was reportedly hiding in Qianshan near Anshan, Liaoning Province, China after escaping Hong Kong in 2003.[36] After about 8 years on the run,[37] Chinese Ministry of Public Security announced that Jung had been arrested in Beijing by Chinese police on May 1, 2007.[28][38][39] Jung was questioned by the Chinese authorities for sexual assault he allegedly committed in China.[40] The Liaoning Provincial Higher People's Court ruled in September 2007 to extradite Jung, a decision upheld by the Supreme People's Court.[41][42] He was extradited back to South Korea to stand charges in February 2008.[43] Jung was also charged with fraud and embezzlement of church funds.

Seoul prosecutors indicted him on five charges of sexually assaulting five female followers from 2001 to 2006 in Malaysia, Hong Kong and China. Jung was convicted on three counts of rape, acquitted on one count, and one case was dismissed because the victim dropped the charges.[5][44]


References

  1. ^ a b "::: 교회와신앙 :::". www.amennews.com. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  2. ^ "South Korean religious sect leader jailed for rape". Reuters. August 12, 2008. Archived from the original on December 19, 2013. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  3. ^ "South Korean religious leader accused of 'quasi-raping' Hong Kong woman". South China Morning Post. October 5, 2022. Archived from the original on December 19, 2022. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  4. ^ "On a mission from God: South Korea's many cults". France 24. November 22, 2018. Archived from the original on November 8, 2020. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  5. ^ a b c Ser, Myo-ja (August 12, 2008). "JMS cult leader is convicted of rape". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on March 7, 2023. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  6. ^ "Cult Leader Extradited to Korea". The Korea Times. February 21, 2008. Archived from the original on March 7, 2023. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  7. ^ a b "Sex, cults and the bizarre world of Providence leader Jeong Myeong-seok". ABC News. December 10, 2017. Archived from the original on August 14, 2022. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  8. ^ "Sect targets Kiwi brides for rapist". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on November 22, 2022. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  9. ^ a b "South Korea: A cult history". TODAY. November 4, 2016. Archived from the original on August 15, 2022. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  10. ^ "韩国邪教教主郑明析在华落网" [Korean Cult Leader Zheng Mingxi Arrested in China]. China Daily. May 23, 2007. Archived from the original on March 7, 2023. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  11. ^ Callick, Rowan (May 15, 2007). "Asian cult leader arrested". culteducation.com. The Australian. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  12. ^ Turner-Cohen, Alex (September 8, 2022). "Melbourne woman speaks out about alleged ordeal on church-funded trip". News Corp Australia.
  13. ^ "The cult that's infiltrated NZ schools, campuses and churches". NOTED. Archived from the original on October 7, 2018. Retrieved October 7, 2018.
  14. ^ "Top Prosecutor Calls for Best Efforts to Punish Cult Leader for Abuse". KBS World. March 6, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  15. ^ a b Cubby, Ben (March 10, 2007). "Claims sect using social groups to recruit members". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on November 7, 2012. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
  16. ^ Callick, Rowan (May 15, 2007). "Asian cult leader arrested". The Australian (Australia).
  17. ^ Hyundae Jongyo (2007).
  18. ^ 이대복 (2000). 이단종합연구 [Comprehensive Heresy Studies] (in Korean). 기독교이단문제연구소. p. 647. Archived from the original on January 3, 2014. Retrieved November 9, 2013.
  19. ^ Schwartzman, Nathan (English translator) (April 2, 2012). "Seoul: Former JMS cult members tell their stories". Asian Correspondent. Archived from the original on July 16, 2015. Retrieved September 20, 2015. {{cite news}}: |first= has generic name (help); original article: Song, Ju-youl (송주열) (March 28, 2012). JMS 정명석, 탈퇴자에 대한 테러 지시 [Jung Myung-Seok orders terror on JMS defectors]. CBS (Korea) Newsroom. No Cut News (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 1, 2015. {{cite news}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; January 9, 2015 suggested (help)
  20. ^ Miller, Mallory (April 8, 2014). "South Korean 'cult' JMS recruiting students at US universities". Cult News. Archived from the original on May 22, 2014. Retrieved September 20, 2015.
  21. ^ Lee, Kyung-sik (February 14, 2020). "VISIT WOLMYEONGDONG, THE CENTER OF PROVIDENCE, GOD'S NEW HISTORY". The Korea Post (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 21, 2020. Retrieved June 19, 2020.
  22. ^ "Cult Leader Jung Myung-seok Released After Serving Full 10-Year Sentence". www.kukmindaily.co.kr. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  23. ^ "韩国"淫乱教主"郑明析中国落网". web.archive.org. May 22, 2007. Archived from the original on September 25, 2015. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  24. ^ TVBS. "攝理教主鄭明析魔爪伸台灣！涉性侵上百女大生 北檢通緝時效曝│TVBS新聞網". TVBS (in Chinese (Taiwan)). Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  25. ^ 聯合新聞網 (March 6, 2023). "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" [South Korea's Setsurin sect leader sexually assaulted hundreds of female college students from Taiwan. Wanted by the Taipei District Prosecutor until 2027]. United Daily News (in Chinese). Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  26. ^ TVBS. "攝理教主鄭明析魔爪伸台灣！涉性侵上百女大生 北檢通緝時效曝│TVBS新聞網". TVBS (in Chinese (Taiwan)). Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  27. ^ 聯合新聞網 (March 6, 2023). "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" [South Korea's Setsurin sect leader sexually assaulted hundreds of female college students from Taiwan. Wanted by the Taipei District Prosecutor until 2027]. United Daily News (in Chinese). Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  28. ^ a b "Asian Cult Leader Arrested". The Australian. May 15, 2007. Archived from the original on October 10, 2014. Retrieved August 24, 2015. 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.
  29. ^ "Ask the Police". Korean National Police Agency. September 21, 2003. Archived from the original on October 9, 2008. Retrieved November 21, 2006. 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.
  30. ^ "Accused rapist cult leader faces extradition to Korea". January 2, 2008. Archived from the original on January 15, 2008. Retrieved February 27, 2008.
  31. ^ "Cult Leader Extradited to Korea". The Korea Times. February 21, 2008. Archived from the original on April 1, 2008. Retrieved February 27, 2008. 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.
  32. ^ "Founder of cult captured in China after eight years". koreajoongangdaily.joins.com. May 16, 2007. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  33. ^ "Lawyers eye cult rape accusations". Japan Times. July 31, 2006. Archived from the original on August 28, 2015. Retrieved August 31, 2015. 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.
  34. ^ "Founder of cult captured in China after eight years". Korea JoongAng Daily. May 17, 2007. Archived from the original on September 25, 2015. Retrieved August 31, 2015.
  35. ^ "Interpol solicitó a Corea del Sur huellas dactilares de líder prófugo de secta religiosa" [Interpol asked South Korea for fingerprints of fugitive religious sect leader]. La Nación (in Spanish). February 8, 2007. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  36. ^ Shin, Ho-cheol (October 9, 2007). "중국 지방 공안이 정명석 비호했다" [Chinese provincial public security guarded Jeong Myung-seok]. SisaIN (in Korean). Retrieved March 9, 2023.
  37. ^ "China extradites chief of alleged S. Korean rapist cult". China Post. Taiwan. AFP, China Post. February 21, 2008. Archived from the original on June 12, 2011. Retrieved February 27, 2008.
  38. ^ "Alleged South Korean Rape Cult Leader Arrested in China". Fox News Channel. Associated Press. May 16, 2007. Archived from the original on December 28, 2007. Retrieved February 27, 2008.
  39. ^ "Jeong Myeong-seok Arrested in China". The Dong-a Ilbo. May 17, 2007. Archived from the original on March 4, 2014. Retrieved February 28, 2014. 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."
  40. ^ "Founder of cult captured in China after eight years". koreajoongangdaily.joins.com. May 16, 2007. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  41. ^ 등록 (February 22, 2008). 정명석 제이엠에스 총재 [Jung Myung-seok the JMS leader detained]. The Hankyoreh. Archived from the original on September 25, 2015. Retrieved September 12, 2015.
  42. ^ 8년 도피 행각 JMS 정명석, 한국 인도 결정 [8 years on the run, decision to send JMS's Jung Myung-seok back to Korea]. Christian Today. October 2, 2007. Archived from the original on September 25, 2015. Retrieved September 12, 2015.
  43. ^ "Cult boss extradited to face sex raps". koreajoongangdaily.joins.com. February 20, 2008. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  44. ^ "Religious sect leader formally arrested on rape charges". Yonhap News Agency. February 23, 2008. Archived from the original on January 19, 2016. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
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