Summary of คิมกีซุน ลัทธิอาณาจักรพันปี เจ้าลัทธิจอมบงการของเกาหลีใต้ | PODCAST Ep.38
The podcast episode covers the story of Kim Ki Seung, a middle-aged woman who became the leader of a South Korean doomsday cult known as the "Garden of Eden" or "Garden of Children," later renamed "Shinnara." Originally a follower of a religious leader called Father Ekabu (whom she regarded as a Jesus-like figure), Kim Ki Seung took over leadership after his imprisonment. She claimed to embody the Holy Spirit and positioned herself as a divine figure, presenting herself as a three-year-old child spiritually ascending to heaven.
Kim Ki Seung established a strict and oppressive sect where thousands of followers lived on a large compound called the Garden of Eden. The community was governed by harsh rules: members had to abandon sympathy, desire, and personal property; married couples were separated; children were forbidden from calling their parents "mother" or "father," instead using terms like "uncle" and "aunt"; romantic and sexual relationships were strictly banned for all members except Kim herself. Despite forbidding sex among followers, Kim was reported to have intimate relations with multiple young men, whom she favored with luxury and privileges denied to ordinary members.
The sect demanded total obedience, with members forced to work relentlessly without holidays, often under harsh conditions and severe punishments including beatings. Injuries and illnesses were neglected unless the person was a high-ranking member. Members were required to donate all earnings to Kim, who amassed significant wealth used to build and maintain the compound.
The cult’s income also came from a record-selling business registered under the sect’s name, making it a major commercial entity in Korea. Over time, suspicion grew as reports of abuse, forced labor, and severe punishments surfaced. Three deaths linked to the sect—two young women and one disciple’s son—were suspected to be caused by Kim’s orders. One woman was reportedly beaten to death and buried secretly on the compound grounds.
In 1996, following multiple testimonies and complaints, police raided the compound with over 50 officers. Kim Ki Seung managed to escape initially but surrendered later that year. During interrogation, she denied all accusations including murder, fraud, and leading a doomsday cult. Evidence was scarce, bodies were never found, and some witnesses retracted statements citing coercion. In 1998, Kim was sentenced to only four years in prison and fined for unintentional assault resulting in death; she was acquitted of murder and fraud charges due to insufficient evidence.
Despite the legal actions, many former members continue to suffer from mental trauma, poverty, and illness decades later. The cult’s legacy remains a dark chapter in South Korea’s religious history, illustrating the dangers of blind faith, authoritarian control, and exploitation under the guise of spiritual salvation.
Presenters/Contributors:
- Host(s) of Super Review Podcast (not explicitly named in the transcript)
Category
News and Commentary