Jeong Myeong-seok Accused of Sexual Assault Against Female Followers
Jeong Myeong-seok Appears at Interrogation Hearing and Makes Statement
Jung Myung-seok (78), the president of the Christian Gospel Mission (commonly known as JMS), stated, "I have never referred to myself as the Second Coming of Jesus or the Messiah while doing missionary work in 77 countries over 46 years." Jung is currently undergoing an appeal trial after being sentenced to 23 years in prison in the first trial for sexually assaulting and forcibly molesting female followers.
Jung, who was indicted on charges including quasi-rape and violation of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Crimes (joint coercion), appeared at a detention hearing held on the 12th at the Daejeon District Court Criminal Division 11 (Chief Judge Choi Seok-jin) and said, "I received an enormous heavy sentence of 23 years in prison in the first trial," adding, "I have worked for a religious organization for decades and have never seen anything other than God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit." He also stated, "There are recordings of my sermons. I have never harmed the faith life of the followers."
A photo of Jeong Myeong-seok, president of the Christian Gospel Mission (commonly known as JMS), taken during an event commemorating February 18, 2019, as the 'Resurrection,' marking one year since his release. Photo by Yonhap News Agency, Daejeon District Prosecutors' Office
He said, "Just as the judge distinguishes and watches over criminals and non-criminals on behalf of the state, I am someone who deals with God's law," and added, "I will continue to sincerely attend the trial and obey, so I hope you will listen deeply to my circumstances and judge strictly according to the law. If you follow the law, it will be fine."
This statement by Jung came as his final remarks during the court's consideration of the appropriateness of his detention period.
Jung's detention period in the appeal trial is set to expire on the 15th. In response, the prosecution has requested another trial court handling Jung's first trial to issue a detention warrant.
A suspect detained in the first trial can have their detention period extended up to three times for two months each during the appeal trial. The prosecution has already extended Jung's detention period for the full six months. The Daejeon High Court Criminal Division 3 (Chief Judge Kim Byung-sik), which is handling Jung's appeal trial, has not completed the trial before the detention period expires. If this continues, Jung would be tried while on parole, which has sparked controversy.
The court plans to decide on whether to re-detain Jung as early as this afternoon.
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