It is hard to imagine that in the 21st century, witch hunts and lynch mobs still occur.
But it is happening right now–to Christian Gospel Mission, also known as Providence, or JMS.
A small group of anti-Providence activists, led by Kim Do Hyung, have used the modern age witch hunting tools of press conferences, mainstream media (e.g., news outlets like JTBC and MBC in Korea), social media, streaming services (e.g., Netflix), and audio editing tools to condemn Providence and its founder Pastor Jung Myung Seok as a criminal organization.
This is not the first time it has happened. Even in the 2008/2009 trial, the same Kim Do Hyung had used similar tools (press conferences, media) to start a witch hunt of Providence, influencing the court trials and resulting in Pastor Jung’s conviction, despite there being no concrete evidence and even contradictory verbal claims from accusers.
SERIOUS DOXXING IS HAPPENING
Many articles are published about how doxxing is morally wrong and dangerous, yet, it is an increasingly common social phenomenon. Doxxing is a tactic used by online hate groups to destroy more than just a person’s online presence, but their job, their house and personal property, their family and friends, their bodily safety. (see article)
Providence members are being doxxed. With their identities exposed and published online, they are shamed and condemned. This includes K-pop stars, families, public servants, and business owners. Ordinary, law abiding citizens who contribute positively to the society are seeing their lives torn apart by the doxxing.
Whoever speaks up for Providence is also doxxed. In any criminal case, the accused has the right to an attorney. This is not only a right afforded to them by many Constitutions but also common sense. After all, in a system where the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, an attorney can be essential in ensuring that the defendant’s rights are protected. (see here.) Yet, the law firm that was hired by Providence to defend its case had to quit out of public pressure because the lawyers defending Providence had their identities revealed online, and they received flaming from the public for being corrupt and out for profit. (see here.)
Even an influential Korean YouTuber Kim Won Hee is being harassed by MBC and the public for speaking out against the one-sided claims against Providence. (see here.) Kim Won Hee is being accused of “secondary victimisation” although what he is doing is scrutinising the “evidences” provided by Netflix and Maple – that is not secondary victimisation.
THE COURT IS INFLUENCED BY PUBLIC OPINION
How can it be that the Attorney General has already said publicly that he will ensure Pastor Jung gets a heavy sentence for his crimes, when the court trial is still ongoing?
How is it that the judge, after watching the Netflix series when it was released mid-trial, could suddenly make decisions like not wanting to hear all 22 testimonies defending Pastor Jung but reducing it to only 5 people and a 3 hour slot? (In comparison, each accuser was given at least half a day to testify.)
Why is the court pandering to public opinion instead of focusing on the veracity of the evidence provided?
STOP THE WITCH HUNT
If one believes that Pastor Jung is indeed guilty, then let the courts examine the evidence objectively, and let God judge him. Instead, many are trying to play judge and God. There is already a long list of explanations to show how the evidence presented in the courts are highly questionable.
Turn on closed captions (subtitles) for English if needed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwYJTnGSCIc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6hvnR1HGR0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tv145bZAGLQ
https://jmsprovidence.com/2023/03/19/jms-netflix-documentary-proof-of-voice-manipulation/
Please stop this 21st century witch hunt, and let the trial take place fairly. That is all we ask.
