Updated: October 1, 2026
Major Korean Protestant denominations, particularly Presbyterian denominations, have issued theological rulings concerning religious groups and individual pastors. This article summarizes four major group cases—Shincheonji, the Church of God World Mission Society, JMS, and the Salvation Sect—and five pastors: Jun Kwang-hoon, Jung Dong-soo, Kim Ki-dong, Lee Cho-seok, and Jung Eui-ho.
These are denominational theological judgments, not court rulings or government decisions. Because rulings can be reviewed or changed, current status should be checked against official denominational records.
Key distinction: “Heresy” vs. “Heretical tendencies”
The terminology matters:
- Heresy : A General Assembly formally designates a person or group as heretical.
- “Has heretical tendencies” : Heretical elements are found, but the case is treated differently from a formal heresy designation under the relevant PCK-Tonghap framework.
- Ban on participation/exchange: An administrative restriction that does not necessarily constitute a heresy designation.
- Refrain from participation and watch closely: Avoid participation while monitoring the subject; it is not itself a heresy designation.
Four Major Groups
Shincheonji Church of Jesus
PCK-Tonghap’s 1995 research concerning Shincheonji identified theological concerns involving Lee Man-hee’s claimed religious authority, revelation, Christology, soteriology, and eschatology.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Denomination | PCK-Tonghap |
| Year | 1995, 80th General Assembly |
| Ruling | Heresy |
| Main issues | Lee Man-hee’s religious claims, revelation, Christology, soteriology, eschatology |
| Current status | No lifting confirmed; official records should be rechecked |
The organization’s theology should not automatically be equated with the personal beliefs or character of every individual member.
Church of God World Mission Society
PCK-Tonghap research addresses Ahn Sahng-hong, Jang Gil-ja as “Mother God,” Sabbath and festivals, soteriology, and eschatology.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Denomination | PCK-Tonghap |
| Assembly/year | Needs verification |
| Ruling level | Needs verification |
| Main issues | Ahn Sahng-hong, Jang Gil-ja, festivals, soteriology, eschatology |
| Current status | Needs verification |
The exact General Assembly resolution and ruling level should be confirmed from the original denominational documents.
JMS / Christian Gospel Mission
PCK-Tonghap research concerning Jung Myung-seok and the International Christian Association examined his claimed religious authority, Christology, soteriology, biblical interpretation, and reported connections with the Unification Church.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Denomination | PCK-Tonghap |
| Assembly/year | Needs verification |
| Ruling level | Needs verification |
| Main issues | Jung Myung-seok’s authority, Christology, soteriology |
| Current status | Needs verification |
Criminal proceedings involving Jung Myung-seok are separate from denominational theological judgments.
Salvation Sect (Guwonpa)
PCK-Tonghap distinguishes the Kwon Shin-chan, Lee Yo-han, and Park Ok-soo lines rather than treating “Guwonpa” as one organization.
Its 1992 research addressed salvation, assurance of salvation, and repentance.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Denomination | PCK-Tonghap |
| Year | 1992, 77th General Assembly |
| Ruling | Heresy |
| Groups | Kwon Shin-chan, Lee Yo-han, Park Ok-soo lines |
| Main issues | Soteriology, assurance of salvation, repentance |
| Current status | Other denominational rulings require verification |
Five Pastors
Jun Kwang-hoon
PCK-Tonghap ruled in 2022 that members should “refrain from participation and watch closely.”
At its 111th General Assembly on September 16, 2026, the denomination adopted the Heresy Committee’s report finding that Pastor Jun “has heretical tendencies.”
The reported issues concerned soteriology, pneumatology, and revelation, including statements about the Book of Life, Spirit baptism, and baptism being revoked for failure to tithe.
Pastor Jun’s side disputed the interpretation and repetition of his statements and raised procedural objections.
Important: The 2026 ruling was reported as “heretical tendencies,” not a formal designation as “heretic.”
Jung Dong-soo
PCK-Hapdong judged Pastor Jung Dong-soo heretical in 2025. After controversy concerning voting procedures, he pursued legal action challenging the ruling.
The 111th General Assembly on September 15, 2026 reaffirmed the ruling.
The issues cited included:
- KJV-onlyism and soteriology
- Interpretation of Genesis 6
- UFOs and angels
- Criticism of Reformed theology
- The Apostles’ Creed
Pastor Jung disputes the characterization of his teaching and has argued that he never taught that salvation requires a particular Bible translation.
Kim Ki-dong
PCK-Tonghap research around its 77th General Assembly in 1992 addressed Kim Ki-dong’s demonology, Trinity, Christology, and pneumatology.
The denomination’s research characterized his understanding of the Trinity as modalistic.
The exact level and wording of the original General Assembly ruling require verification.
Lee Cho-seok
PCK-Tonghap adopted a research report concerning Lee Cho-seok at its 76th General Assembly in 1991.
The report addressed Scripture, demonology, mysticism, exorcism, and healing ministry.
Historical reporting has described him as having been judged heretical by multiple denominations, but the original resolutions should be consulted before making a definitive claim about each denomination.
Jung Eui-ho
PCK-Hapshin deferred its judgment for one year in 2025.
At its 111th General Assembly on September 15, 2026, the denomination reportedly designated Pastor Jung and Gibbeum Church heretical and prohibited participation and exchange in related activities.
Reported issues included New Apostolic Reformation-related theology, direct revelation, generational curses, exorcism ministry, and training practices.
Pastor Jung and church members dispute the characterization and have raised concerns about fact-finding and the opportunity to respond.
Comparison Table
| Subject | Denomination | Year | Ruling | Main issues |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shincheonji | PCK-Tonghap | 1995 | Heresy | Revelation, Christology, soteriology |
| Church of God | PCK-Tonghap | TBD | Needs verification | Ahn Sahng-hong, Jang Gil-ja, soteriology |
| JMS | PCK-Tonghap | TBD | Needs verification | Jung Myung-seok, Christology, soteriology |
| Salvation Sect | PCK-Tonghap | 1992 | Heresy | Salvation, repentance |
| Jun Kwang-hoon | PCK-Tonghap | 2026 | Heretical tendencies | Soteriology, pneumatology, revelation |
| Jung Dong-soo | PCK-Hapdong | 2025/2026 | Heresy reaffirmed | KJV-onlyism, soteriology, Genesis 6 |
| Kim Ki-dong | PCK-Tonghap | 1992 | Needs verification | Demonology, Trinity |
| Lee Cho-seok | PCK-Tonghap | 1991 | Reported as heresy; verify | Scripture, demonology, mysticism |
| Jung Eui-ho | PCK-Hapshin | 2025/2026 | Heresy | NAR-related theology, revelation, exorcism |
What Do Korean Denominations Examine?
Heresy investigations commonly address:
- Scripture: Biblical authority, canon, revelation, Bible translations
- Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
- Christology: Jesus’ deity, humanity, incarnation, resurrection, and Second Coming
- Soteriology: Faith, repentance, justification, sanctification, and assurance of salvation
- Revelation: Claims of direct or new revelation
- Eschatology: End-times claims and identification of particular figures with eschatological roles
Why the Exact Wording Matters
When reporting these cases, the safest approach is to state who made the judgment, when, and exactly what was resolved.
For example:
“PCK-Tonghap’s 111th General Assembly found that Jun Kwang-hoon ‘has heretical tendencies.’”
is more precise than:
“PCK-Tonghap declared Jun Kwang-hoon a heretic.”
Likewise, Jung Dong-soo’s case should be described as a 2025 heresy ruling reaffirmed in 2026, while Jung Eui-ho’s case involved a 2025 deferral followed by a 2026 designation.
Sources and Verification
For reliable reporting, the preferred source hierarchy is:
- Official General Assembly minutes
- Original Heresy Committee reports
- Official denominational research archives
- Statements from the person or organization concerned
- News reports
- Commentary and specialized media
Several historical cases in this article remain marked “needs verification” because the original General Assembly resolutions or research reports were not independently confirmed for this edition.
FAQ
Is “heretical tendencies” the same as “heresy”?
No. The wording represents a different level of denominational judgment and should be reported accurately.
Does a denominational heresy ruling equal a court judgment?
No. It is a theological and ecclesiastical judgment, not a legal determination.
Does a participation ban automatically mean heresy?
No. Participation and exchange restrictions are separate from the formal designation itself.
Was Jun Kwang-hoon designated a heretic in 2026?
The reported wording was “has heretical tendencies.” It should not automatically be rewritten as a formal “heresy” designation.
When was Jung Dong-soo judged heretical?
He was judged heretical by PCK-Hapdong in 2025, with the ruling reportedly reaffirmed in 2026.
When was Jung Eui-ho judged heretical?
PCK-Hapshin deferred the matter in 2025 and reportedly designated him and Gibbeum Church as heretical in 2026.
Bottom Line
The most important distinction when reporting Korean Protestant heresy rulings is between the denomination’s documented action and an independent judgment about the person or organization.
For each case, identify:
Denomination → General Assembly → Date → Exact ruling language → Doctrinal issues → Subject’s response → Current status.
That approach preserves the theological context while avoiding the common mistake of treating every denominational sanction as an identical “heresy” designation.
Peter Yang