JMS Jeong Myeong-seok's Lawyer Joins 'Geu-al' Advisory Panel... SBS "Dismissal Decision"

SBS Current Affairs and Educational Program Legal Advisor
"Recommended by the Korean Bar Association... No Relation to JMS Broadcasting"

Recently, controversy arose as a lawyer representing Jeong Myeong-seok, the leader of the Christian Gospel Mission (JMS), was included as a legal advisor for SBS's investigative program "Unanswered Questions," which delved into Jeong Myeong-seok. SBS immediately dismissed the lawyer, stating they were unaware of his connection to JMS.

[Photo by SBS from the 'Unanswered Questions' official website]

On the 9th, SBS stated, "We did not know that lawyer A was involved with JMS," adding, "At the time, A was appointed in the capacity of an executive member of the Korean Bar Association. The public interest program advisory group appointed by the Korean Bar Association provided legal advice and support upon victims' requests, but the victims who appeared on 'Unanswered Questions' regarding JMS did not request legal advice."

They continued, "We have decided to dismiss A," emphasizing, "A did not provide any special support during the advisory period. In particular, A has no relation to the JMS broadcast of 'Unanswered Questions.' The content related to JMS victims and the broadcast cannot be exposed to the legal advisory group."

Lawyer A, who was included in the SBS public interest program legal advisory group in 2020.
[Photo by Maeil Business Newspaper]

According to a report by Maeil Business Newspaper, six lawyers including A were appointed as advisory lawyers for SBS's public interest program in June 2020, recommended by the Korean Bar Association. The original term was two years but was extended last year and now lasts until next year. It is reported that A has been defending Jeong Myeong-seok for at least six years.

In March of this year, following the sexual assault scandal exposed by the Netflix documentary "I Am God," all six lawyers from the law firm Kwangjang who were defending Jeong Myeong-seok resigned; however, the law firm to which A belongs continues to represent him.

Meanwhile, "Unanswered Questions" has focused on allegations related to Jeong Myeong-seok four times from 1999 to this year. The two-hour special aired on the 22nd of last month, titled "JMS, How Did the Youth from Dalbakgol Become the Leader?" featured an interpreter who had been responsible for overseas missions and interpretation within JMS, who exposed sexual violence against female believers within JMS, drawing significant attention.

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