Court orders JMS cult leader and deputy to pay 370 million won to assault victims

In a ruling issued on Thursday, the Daejeon District Court ordered the Jesus Morning Star religious group, its founder Jeong Myung-seok, and deputy leader Kim Ji-seon to pay a total of about 370 million won in damages to three women who were sexually assaulted by Jeong between 2018 and 2021. The victims include a Hong Kong one outlet identified as Maple, an Australian named Amy, and an unnamed South Korean follower. The court assigned 250 million won plus interest to Maple, 80 million won plus interest to Amy, and 40 million won plus interest to the South Korean victim.

Additionally, Kim Ji-seon was held responsible for 30 million won and all accrued interest related to Maple’s compensation. Jeong is already serving a 17-year sentence for the assaults. The judgment represents a civil liability judgment against the cult and its leadership.