JMS officials face prison sentences for aiding Jung Myung-seok's sexual crimes

South Korean prosecutors have requested prison sentences for four high-ranking officials of the Christian Gospel Mission (JMS) for allegedly aiding sexual crimes committed by leader Jung Myung-seok. During a hearing at the Daejeon District Court, prosecutors sought prison terms ranging from 1 to 3.5 years for the defendants.

The officials are accused of aiding in sexual offenses and coercing victims into signing documents to prevent them from filing complaints against Jung between 2018 and 2022. Prosecutors stated that the defendants used their influential positions to subordinate female followers to Jung and actively worked to suppress legal action.

In addition to prison time, prosecutors requested that three of the defendants undergo sexual violence treatment lectures, have their personal information disclosed, and face a 10-year ban from working in institutions related to children and adolescents. This case is separate from Jung's previous conviction involving the sexual assault of three women, including a Hong Kong national. Sentencing for these six individuals is expected next month.