Netizen Backlash Forces DKZ’s Kyoungyoon To Suspend Activities… Despite Being The Victim Of A Controversial Cult
The recent hit Netflix documentary, In The Name Of God: A Holy Betrayal, exposed the horrific nature of the infamous JMS cult.
Following the documentary, netizens voiced concern about DKZ Kyoungyoon‘s family’s association with the cult. Rumors of Kyoungyoon’s family’s involvement spread as netizens realized the idol’s family ran a cafe associated with a church, Youngduk Ju Mideum (Youngduk Trust In God), listed as belonging to the JMS cult.
Initially, Dongyo Entertainment released a statement clarifying that Kyoungyoon’s family was unaware that the church was involved with the infamous cult.
However, Dispatch released an exclusive interview shortly after, during which Kyoungyoon opened up about being a victim of the JMS cult. Kyoungyoon explained how his family became involved in the cult and exposed the cult’s effective brainwashing techniques.
I heard about the sermons through a video. My aunt said that Jung Myung Seok (JMS) is the one who delivers the word of God. She said that JMS is a great man who read the Bible over 2000 times.
I, too, watched In the Name of God: A Holy Betrayal. There was a part where he said, ‘I am the Messiah.’ When I saw that scene, I thought he was crazy. You might not believe me, but I didn’t realize it back then. It may seem pathetic but… that’s how it was.
I remember watching his videos. Before he comes forward as the Messiah, he would lay the bait… building it up for two to three hours. So when he finally claims to be the Messiah, the countless number of followers would roar in response. That’s how you get dragged into it. It’s kind of like getting gaslit.
I didn’t believe he was the Messiah. Even my aunt told me that he was someone good at delivering the words of God. But it’s true that I got brainwashed bit by bit. Eventually, I ended up thinking, ‘If we had to compare JMS to someone, wouldn’t it be Messiah?’
— Kyoungyoon
While Kyoungyoon admitted that he was at one time “active with the [JMS] singing club,” he vowed in the interview to leave the cult for good.
Is it a good thing that I am not all that popular of an idol right now? Maybe if I was more famous, then I could have been used as a missionary for JMS, too. It’s all awful. So… This is all too late, but I am severing ties with the church now.
There is no more JMS.
— Kyoungyoon
Although netizens were suspicious about some inconsistencies in the interview, specifically with the timeline of events, Dispatch clarified the inconsistencies with Kyoungyoon, who explained that he was not involved with the cult after his debut. Still, some netizens took the interview “with a grain of salt.”
Shortly after that, Kyoungyoon posted a heartfelt apology, despite being a victim himself of the cult’s brainwashing attempts.
Hello. This is Kyoungyoon.
Firstly, I sincerely apologize to the fans must’ve been the most shocked and disappointed thanks to me. I should be only delivering good news all the time to those who have watched over me, loving and cheering me on, but I think that I have caused them to have a hard time instead, due to my faults.
Although I think that it’s already too late, I’ve come here now, truly sorry. I did not have the courage to come and look for you guys first. I was very afraid… Because you guys are the ones who have cared for me and cheered me on, I ended up hesitating even more.
I am too embarrassed to face the fans who visited the cafe because of me, and I was also afraid that the misunderstanding would grow if I spoke too rashly. I didn’t know how to begin, and after worrying endlessly about how to convey how sorry I am, I thought that I couldn’t delay this any longer and so I am here like this.
I have disappointed many people due to how unskillfully I handled things. The things I said in the past without much consideration, ended up creating larger misunderstandings. I blame myself and am reflecting on it, so much so that I wish to turn back all that time. I’m so sorry for not being enough, and for my many faults.
Lastly, I’m sincerely sorry again for disappointing you…
— Kyoungyoon
On April 19, 2023, Dongyo Entertainment released a statement explaining that Kyoungyoon “feels a heavy sense of responsibility” but is “[focusing] on treatment and stability…”
DKZ’s Kyoungyoon feels a heavy sense of responsibility for everything that’s happening related to him and is receiving counseling and treatment at the same time after receiving the physician’s diagnosis of anxiety disorder and social phobia. He plans to focus on treatment and stability for the time being.
— Dongyo Entertainment
Dongyo Entertainment also stated that after monitoring the public’s reactions, Kyoungyoon would not participate in DKZ’s upcoming schedule, which would proceed with five members. Although, the agency specified that they “are also aware that fans may not agree with our decision at this time.”
Dongyo Entertainment also took accountability for “All the problems that have taken place related to [their] artists…”
Recently, we have been informed that there have been repeated complaints requesting the cancellation of the artist’s appearance from the event officials. As a result, our response is that five DKZ members will participate in this event. We apologize to all who experienced inconvenience due to the sudden change in the number of participants. All the problems that have taken place related to the artists are all due to our lacking as an agency. We are also aware that fans that may not agree with our decision at this time. We will make plans and decisions with the safety and protection of our artists in mind, as they are our most important priority.
— Dongyo Entertainment
Hopefully Kyoungyoon will be able to take all the time he needs for his health and well-being.
You can read the full statement here.
DKZ’s Kyoungyoon feels a heavy sense of responsibility for everything that’s happening related to him and is receiving counseling and treatment at the same time after receiving the physician’s diagnosis of anxiety disorder and social phobia. He plans to focus on treatment and stability for the time being. Recently, we have been informed that there have been repeated complaints requesting the cancellation of the artist’s appearance from the event officials. As a result, our response is that five DKZ members will participate in this event. We apologize to all who experienced inconvenience due to the sudden change in the number of participants. All the problems that have taken place related to the artists are all due to our lacking as an agency. We are also aware that fans that may not agree with our decision at this time. We will make plans and decisions with the safety and protection of our artists in mind, as they are our most important priority. Through this, we will think wisely so that we can continue to receive love and support from fans.
— Dongyo Entertainment
You can read Kyoungyoon’s entire interview with Dispatch here.
DKZ’s Kyoungyoon Admits He Was Victim To The JMS Cult In An Exclusive Interview With Dispatch
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