The Religion and Ethics Report - Separate stories podcast Troubling Korean religious cults
Jul 23, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Professor Tark Ji-il, an expert on new religious movements from Busan Presbyterian University, shares his insights on the troubling landscape of Korean cults. He reveals how these groups, masquerading as Christian, prey on immigrants in Australia using deceptive tactics. Tark also shares his personal connection, detailing the tragic murder of his father by a cult member. He contrasts the Unification Church with the Latter-day Saints and explores the deep intertwining of religion and politics in South Korea.
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Christian Form, Different Theology
- Korean new religious movements use the Bible as their sacred text while redefining deity around Korean leaders.
- This hybrid gives them Christian form but divergent theology that can mislead believers.
Targeted Recruitment Strategies
- Different Korean groups target different populations: Shincheonji focuses on Korean immigrants while World Mission Society targets locals.
- Recruitment narratives often exploit fear, claiming disasters or persecution to justify migration.
Verify Group Identity Early
- Beware when groups hide their identity and build close relationships before revealing affiliation.
- Avoid engagement with recruiters who do not disclose their group and verify affiliations early.