JYP’s “Bible Study” Turns Into Actual Corporation—Raises Even More Red Flags
JYP, also known as J. Y. Park or Park Jin Young, is best known as the mastermind behind JYP Entertainment. But his latest endeavors—as a borderline cult leader—are raising red flags and causing concerns for the idols under his care.
An exclusive report from Ilyo Shinmun confirmed that the non-profit organization, First Fruits, through which JYP personally conducts Bible lectures, has been registered as a corporation. According to the corporate registration, First Fruits will pursue non-profit, pastoral business such as evangelism through Bible seminars, retreats, special lectures, Bible education for congregants and their children, missionary publishing, and more.
The report, and K-Pop fans who have read the report, pointed out multiple “red flags” about the corporation. First is the persons involved. Previously, JYP Entertainment insisted that JYP is not the one “operating” First Fruits.
The said “Bible seminars,” however, refer to Bible lectures conducted by JYP himself. Ilyo Shinmun also confirmed that, in the public disclosure documents for First Fruits’ non-profit corporation financial statements, the CEO is No Seok Hee—a fitness trainer who appeared on KBS’s Golden Girls alongside JYP in October 2023. A JYP Entertainment representative has since clarified that No is not an employee of JYP Entertainment. But there has been a large donation of ₩25.0 million KRW (about $18,900 USD) made to First Fruits from JYP Entertainment’s vice president, Byun Sang Bong.
Second is the theological validity of JYP’s Bible seminars. In a past seminar video, JYP himself noted, “I have not studied theology at a theological school, nor am I a pastor, but I want to shed light on freedom as someone who has been liberated.”
According to Ilyo Shinmun, pastors teaching the Bible to church members have typically completed graduate theological studies and take ordination exams with their affiliated denomination. Before taking the ordination exam, they study church history, church constitution, and learn sermon writing along with their thesis. And so, there is stigma surrounding the famous K-Pop superstar, who, despite lacking formal theological training, not only interprets the Bible without being part of an established denomination but also lectures on it.
Last is the “closed nature” of First Fruits’ activities. The official First Fruits website requires membership registration and login to access certain pages (like the “Location” or “FAQ” pages) and attend worship. As most cult-related activities take place behind closed doors, First Fruits being secretive is inevitably suspicious.
Pastor Kim Young Han commented via Ilyo Shinmun, “It is dangerous to preach the Bible without studying orthodox theology, and it is concerning that they have even established a corporation. Just as consuming food with unknown origins can lead to illness, the closed nature of First Fruits’ corporation raises concerns about potential cult-related issues.”
Given JYP Entertainment is home to a number of beloved idols, K-Pop fans cannot help but be worried about the potential impact that JYP’s venture into the religious sector could have on the idols.
- “This is risky business.”
- “Aigoo… I quit K-Pop.”
- “Oh, gosh.”
- “What is he doing?! LOL.”
- “Tells you exactly why JYPE stock prices are plummeting.”
- “He’s killing the stock prices… What’s wrong with him? Is leading a cult his new dream?”
- “Just tell us what is wrong with you.”
- “Wasn’t his wife also a part of some cult…? Given that, this is such an unexpected turn of events.”
- “I don’t care what he believes. But he’s the head of an influential K-Pop entertainment company. The young idols under his care will be influenced in one way or another. I wish he would just leave JYPE first before doing whatever the hell he wants. It’s not like he needs any more money.”
- “This is exactly how cults are born… The leader reads something… Realizes something… Gets a call or something… Starts a cult… Collects followers…”
- “WTF?”
- “So what, he’s a cult leader now?”
- “???”
- “Yeah, exactly how cults start.”
- “I cannot believe this… LMAO.”
- “Lecturing the Bible when he’s not even a pastor? WDYM??? Why are all the K-Pop CEOs wilding like this?”
This is not the first time JYP has been accused of leading a cult. Read more about his questionable “Bible Study” below:
Is JYP Leading A Cult? Here’s Why Koreans Believe His “Bible Study” Is Dangerous
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