In a groundbreaking investigation, 7NEWS Spotlight is set to expose ‘Providence’, a dangerous ‘religious’ movement that has been functioning in Australia since 1997.
This community, which initially appeared safe and welcoming, has been accused of luring young women in local shopping centres and universities, and allegedly brainwashing them into becoming spiritual brides of a convicted rapist in South Korea.
The investigation, led by 7NEWS Europe correspondent Sarah Greenhalgh, has spanned six months and crossed continents, from Australia to the United States and South Korea. It has unveiled allegations of sex trafficking, sexual assault, and brainwashing against Providence, a registered charitable organisation in Australia.
“Providence is a cult,” said Greenhalgh. “Its impact on so many young women’s lives is enormous.”
Jeong Meong-Seok (JMS), the self-proclaimed ‘messiah’, founded Providence in 1978. The group purports to be a Christian religious movement and boasts more than 40,000 Korean members with a presence in over 70 countries, including Australia.
The investigators found that the ‘churches’ in Melbourne and Sydney, as well as those in South Korea, bear no signage or lists of services, and do not adhere to the standard ‘open door’ church policy. Instead, members gather behind frosted glass, using secret pin codes for access.
Greenhalgh’s report, which delves deep into the secretive South Korean cult compound, is an unprecedented step into uncovering the sinister operations of this organisation. What was initially thought to be a case of coercive control and abuse has now led to the involvement of the sex trafficking unit of the Australian Federal Police.
The revealing investigation will be aired at 8.40pm Sunday on Channel 7 and 7plus. It uncovers, for the first time, the chilling tales of the women who managed to escape from this dangerous cult.
