Explore The Hidden World: Inside A Mysterious Cult Compound in South Korea | 7NEWS exclusive

This is an exclusive tour inside the JMS compound. Portions of the tour were shown in 'The Cult Next Door', 7NEWS Spotlight’s global investigation into a dangerous ‘religious’ group. They were two young Aussie women, enticed by faith and friendship, welcomed into a community made to feel safe and loved. But things quickly changed.

This week, in a 7NEWS Spotlight global investigation, for the first time the chilling true stories of the women who escaped a dangerous cult.

Branded as a religious movement, Providence has been operating in Australia since 1997, and is accused of recruiting young women in local shopping centres and universities then brainwashing them to travel to South Korea to become spiritual brides of a criminal.

Spotlight has uncovered allegations of serious crimes and brainwashing by the outfit which is registered as a charitable organisation in Australia.
7NEWS Europe correspondent Sarah Greenhalgh this week joins the 7NEWS Spotlight team and, in a world first, travels deep inside the secretive cult compound in South Korea to confront the leaders.

“We’ve been investigating this cult for six months and it has led us across Australia, to the US and South Korea,” said Sarah. “When we started, we knew there were serious allegations of coercive control and various forms of abuse, but we had no idea just how sinister this organisation is. What we’ve uncovered now involves the Australian Federal Police.

“Providence was founded in 1978 by self-professed ‘messiah’ Jeong Meong-Seok (JMS). The group claims to be a Christian religious movement with more than 40,000 Korean members and a presence in more than 70 countries including Australia. The ‘churches’ we’ve visited in Melbourne and Sydney are just like those in South Korea – there’s no signage, no lists of services, certainly no standard, ‘open door’ church policy. Instead, the faithful meet behind frosted glass, using secret pin codes for access.

“Providence is a cult. And the impact it has had on so many young women’s lives is enormous.”
Connect with 7NEWS Spotlight online

#cult #southkorea #jms #providence #cultcompound #documentary

[dennisunited]

😂the reporter is acting like she gets a tour in North Korea..

[malcolmtill]

I saw a tour of this place many years ago in greater detail than this and in English on YouTube so this is not the first time tv crews have seen it.

[RambleOn.]

This occurs all over the world- but it's good to question & challenge what the line is re: coercive control & authoritarian influence, within our society/community... & to expose/warn ppl of dangerous groups.

[hojuguy]

This is some seriously cringeworthy journalism.

This is no different from all religions. They all use hierarchy and power to influence people. No religious institution have avoided scandals.

[kellymurphy]

You can’t hear what the translator is saying.

[landon]

what defines a cult? getting people to believe in things that may or may not be true? isn’t that the same definition of all “faiths” these days?
Every mainstream faith could be construed as a cult, tell me I’m wrong and why, please

[thatcanadiangrandma]

That cult is no secret... Very well known. And you're not the first one to show that compound on tv. It's been seen several times already!!!

[ambition]

0:01: 🕵 Investigating a secretive cult compound in South Korea with a controversial history.
5:19: 🐼 Discovery of collaborative artwork designed in prison by James, with members' help.
9:18: 💬 Discussion on the interpretation of a religious figure's statements and their meaning.
13:31: ⛪ Exploration of hidden religious site with unique architectural features and safety concerns.
18:23: 🏠 Exploring an empty house where James used to cool down and drink water while praying.
Recapped using Tammy AI

[louieify]

He seems avoiding to answer the truth of the cult

[JustAThought]

No offense, but what is the point of this episode? This doesn’t seem like news, it seems to be a tour. 😐! I feel like I’m watching a stranger’s home movies.🥱….😵‍💫.