It's been belatedly revealed that the non-profit organization FIRSTFRUITS, a religious group where singer/producer J.Y. Park regularly gives lectures on the Bible, has been registered with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a corporation.
The registration, processed in October of last year, indicates that FIRSTFRUITS will conduct nonprofit business in missionary work, educational classes, publications, etc.
FIRSTFRUITS is a religious organization where one must be a registered member to attend online or in-person services. One of the requirements for membership is that the registerer must have viewed all of the lectures posted on the FIRSTFRUITS YouTube channel.
Previously, J.Y. Park was criticized for holding Bible lectures despite having no theological training. The singer claimed, "I've never studied theology and am not a pastor. But as someone who has been liberated, I just want to let others know how I found that liberation."
Following the controversy, JYP Entertainment strongly denied the company's involvement with FIRSTFRUITS, stressing, "It is the singer's personal religious activity."
In response to the recent news, some netizens commented,
"This is exactly how most religious cults start out..."
"I can't believe THIS GUY is the most normal one of all the major entertainment label founders."
"I'm just a little scared for my biases."
"If you're that devoted to your religion, then go to seminary and receive proper credentials!"
"Don't forget, his wife is the niece of Yoo Byeong Eon, the founder of the Evangelical Baptist Church cult."
"If he's that dedicated to his faith, he should just retire and leave the entertainment industry so the company's name won't get thrown around every time he does something completely unrelated."
"We already knew he was in a cult but......."
"This is screaming creepy cult."
"That's right, he's good friends with Bang Si Hyuk too."
"He's not a pastor, he doesn't have theological training, and he's deviating from orthodox Korean Christian traditions... and he still thinks he's not in a cult????"
"Where is the Korean entertainment industry headed;;;;"
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