Netflix documentary “In The Name of God: A Holy Betrayal” is a 8-part series that began airing earlier this month. The show examines “the chilling true stories of four Korean leaders claiming to be prophets [and] exposes the dark side of unquestioning belief.”
The shocking and chilling nature of the stories told cannot be overstated, and it appears that the cults continue to thrive with tentacles reaching every corner of Korean society. Cult members remain so devoted that anyone who speaks out against the leaders are threatened with violence against themselves and their family members.
“In the Name of God, A Holy Betrayal” is a gripping documentary that sheds light on the inner workings of a dangerous cult and its impact on its members. The film is a powerful reminder of the dangers of blind faith and how vulnerable people can be manipulated and controlled.
The documentary features compelling interviews with former members of the cult, who bravely share their experiences of abuse and brainwashing. The film is a wake-up call that proves how easy it is for normal and even highly intelligent people to be at risk of falling under the spell of a cult. It serves as a warning to the wider community about the dangers of extremism and the importance of staying vigilant and informed.
Although the subject matter is far from easy viewing, “In the Name of God, A Holy Betrayal” is a must-watch documentary that offers a sobering look at the dark side of religious fanaticism. It is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand and combat the influence of cults in our society.
Among the documentary’s subjects is cult leader Jeong Myeong-seok or JMS, who claims to his followers that he is the Messiah. Jeong previously served ten years in prison for raping three Korean female followers while on overseas trips between 2003 and 2006. He fled Korea when the rape charges were filed, but was extradited from China to Korea in 2008. He was sentenced to prison in Korea that year and released in 2018, but was required to wear an electronic ankle bracelet.
After being released from jail in 2018, Jung allegedly committed sexual violence against two followers 17 times. JMS has denied the charges and threatened libel action against the media. In October 2022, JMS was again indicted on rape charges and sent back to jail where he awaits a trial on the new charges. Victims continue to come forward to speak out against JMS but they do so at high risk of attack from other cult members.
JMS followers sued to stop Netflix from airing the show but Netflix and Korean public broadcaster MBC defeated a court application for an injunction to stop the airing of their documentary “In The Name of God: A Holy Betrayal.”
