[Korean Culture & Language] Cult-ming out

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‘Coming out’ usually refers to recognizing and publicly revealing a sexual orientation or gender identity that deviates from socially imposed norms. It also may refer to an unexpected identification as a member of a fandom, a follower of a specific political party, or other unexpected interest or pastime.

Photo by Zoe van Poetsprins.nl on Unsplash

Lee Man-hee, a religious leader in Korea, was arrested in August 2020 for causing the country's largest coronavirus outbreak. Lee Man-hee is the 88-year-old leader of the (Shincheonji Church of Jesus), a cult. More than 5,000 of its members contracted Covid-19, accounting for 36% of all Covid-19 cases in the country. Mr. Lee was also accused of embezzling 5.6 billion won ($4.7 million; £3.6 million) and hosting unapproved religious gatherings.

신 means new, 천 means heaven, and 지 means earth. So, the cult’s name signifies ‘new heaven and earth’. Lee claims to be ‘약속의 목자 (the promised pastor)’ mentioned in the Bible, and his followers believe that he will take 144,000 people to heaven with him after Christ’s Second Coming. 


https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-53620633

Due to the rapid spread of the COVID-19 infection through Shincheonji members, the term ‘신밍아웃(Shin-mingout)’ has appeared. It’s a term made up of the words ‘신천지(Shincheonj)’ and ‘coming out’. 신밍아웃 is a phenomenon where a 신천지 member confesses that they are a member of 신천지 to prevent further spread of contacts. During ‘신밍아웃,’ one announces themselves as a 신천지 member and voluntarily begins self-isolation. Because many 신천지 members have refused to admit that they have COVID-19 or are to blame for the massive Covid-19 spread, those who came forward voluntarily and 신밍아웃 were applauded.


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