PD Jo Seong-hyeon: "JMS-Victim Agreement Itself Acknowledges Sexual Violence"

PD Who Created 'I Am God', KBS Interview
"A Group Sexual Exploitation System Where Victims Become Perpetrators"

Producer Jo Seong-hyun, who highlighted the issue of sexual violence against female believers of the Christian Gospel Mission (JMS) through Netflix's "I Am God" and MBC's "PD Notebook," focused on the "settlement agreement" that JMS had victims sign.

In an interview on June 24 with KBS Radio's "Choi Kyung-young's Strong Current Affairs," Producer Jo emphasized that this settlement agreement is clear evidence that Jeong Myeong-seok sexually exploited female believers.

JMS leader Jeong Myeong-seok./Netflix

This settlement agreement was drafted by Yang Seung-nam, the current JMS representative and lawyer, after Jeong Myeong-seok was arrested on charges of sexually assaulting female believers. It contains provisions instructing the victims not to disclose Jeong Myeong-seok's sexual violence.

Producer Jo explained about the settlement agreement obtained by "PD Notebook," saying, "It consists of three clauses. The very first phrase starts with 'Party A (the victim) regarding the sexual harm suffered from Party B (Jeong Myeong-seok), Party B shall...' and includes content such as 'paying a certain amount' or compensating for the sexual harm." He added, "This settlement agreement was hastily drafted after Jeong Myeong-seok was arrested."

He continued, "This means JMS has acknowledged the sexual violence by Jeong Myeong-seok, which they had absolutely denied until now, and admitted that Jeong Myeong-seok committed sexual crimes."

Regarding the ongoing continuation of JMS's heinous acts, Producer Jo said, "What is tragic about JMS is that the women who were initially victims eventually turn into perpetrators. They cause other women after them to become victims as well. (Because) from their perspective, it is not harm but fulfilling some work of God, and they are made to participate in it." He added, "This vicious cycle of victims becoming perpetrators repeats itself. In that process, a collective sexual exploitation system operates."

Producer Jo also mentioned the dangers of being born into a religious faith. He said, "I hope people think about how dangerous it is to accept religion without any thought," emphasizing, "Religion is a freedom allowed to everyone, but at the same time, if you believe in something wrong, you can suffer irreparable damage."

He added, "Just doubting whether the Messiah you believe in is the true Messiah is enough for me to have fulfilled the role of delivering my message."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.