J.Y. Park Directly Addresses Church Controversy, Says Members Come From Diverse Backgrounds

J.Y. Park, the leader of the religious group First Fruits, has addressed lingering accusations related to his church amid ongoing speculation. In a video released on September 19 through the YouTube channel associated with the church, Park tackled the question, "What denomination is your church?"

Opening the discussion, he recognized that many attendees may have felt uneasy arriving, likely due to warnings from friends or family, particularly those involved in established churches. Park noted, "The most common question people ask is, What denomination are you? This ultimately relates to concerns about affiliations with other organizations or similarities in doctrines."

He asserted that First Fruits is far from a cult, describing it instead as having a strong foundation and a clear theological lineage. In his view, the defining factor in recognizing a denomination should be whether it teaches about eternal life. He cited biblical passages from the Book of John as references for his claims.

Park shared that the congregation includes members from various backgrounds: Catholic, Presbyterian, Baptist, and even former members of the controversial Shincheonji group, highlighting the church's inclusive ethos. "Just because some members are from Shincheonji, it doesn’t make our church affiliated with them. It's the teachings that draw the lines, not the backgrounds of individuals," he explained.

He elaborated on the church's doctrine, stating, "We teach that eternal life is a gift received through a mysterious and complete faith, available only to those who repent." This emphasis on repentance is central to First Fruits' belief system.

Additionally, Park differentiated between encountering religious content and being part of a particular faith; he emphasized that his past appreciation for certain products associated with the Unification Church does not imply an affiliation.

Having been previously embroiled in controversy back in 2018, when allegations suggested he was linked to the Salvation Sect, Park reiterated his stance against such claims. He addressed the accusations in a 2020 appearance on MBC’s Radio Star, explaining that his interest in theology grew after a trip to Jerusalem, leading to the formation of the current church. Responding to queries about the church's official stance, he stated, "There is no denomination here, just a study of religion."

As he concluded, Park reasserted, "Our church has a solid foundation. We are definitely not a cult; our members come from diverse backgrounds, united by our beliefs." His earnest attempt to clarify the church's position highlights his commitment to dispelling the misconceptions surrounding it.