Park Jin Young addresses religious group controversy

Singer and producer Park Jin Young has addressed ongoing allegations regarding the religious nature of the group he leads, known as ‘First Fruits’. In a video released on the group’s YouTube channel on September 19, Park responded to questions about the group’s denomination and its potential ties to controversial organizations.

Park stated that the group has clear theological roots, citing influence from Wesleyan Methodism and the writings of American Baptist pastor Peter Ruckman. He argued that a group’s identity should be defined by its doctrine—specifically its teachings on eternal life—rather than the backgrounds of its members. He noted that the congregation includes individuals from Catholic, Presbyterian, Baptist, and Shincheonji backgrounds, asserting that the presence of former Shincheonji members does not make the group Shincheonji.

According to Park, the core doctrine of First Fruits is that eternal life is obtained through a complete faith, which is received as a gift to those who have repented. These comments follow long-standing controversies dating back to 2018, when allegations surfaced linking him to the ‘Salvation Sect’ (Guwonpa). Park has previously denied these claims, explaining that his religious involvement began with Bible study groups following a trip to Jerusalem.