Netflix's upcoming docuseries I Am a Survivor (directed by Cho Sung-hyun) is set to premiere on August 15, diving deep into four of Korea's most shocking true stories.
This gripping series is a follow-up to the explosive 2023 documentary In the Name of God: A Holy Betrayal, which exposed the dark underbelly of cult leaders who claimed divinity, and the heartbreaking stories of survivors — particularly the revelations involving JMS (Christian Gospel Mission) and its leader Jung Myung-seok.
🔍 Returning to JMS — The Shocking Aftermath
The first episode of I Am a Survivor picks up where In the Name of God left off — with JMS once again in the spotlight.
The documentary uncovers new developments after the show aired, including intimidation against the crew, follower surveillance, and police involvement in suppressing investigations.
"We faced tailing, background checks, and pressure from JMS followers after the first documentary aired," producers revealed. "The group continues to operate in the shadows. We'll follow survivor Maple's ongoing fight against this massive power."
💥 Korea's Most Disturbing Cases Revisited
The 8-episode series will cover four real-life events that shocked South Korea, including:
- JMS cult abuse aftermath
- The Brothers Home: A horrific case of state-backed abuse where thousands died or disappeared
- The Jijon Clan Murders: A brutal serial killing spree
- Sampoong Department Store Collapse: One of Korea's deadliest man-made disasters
✊ A Story of Survival, Not Just Victimhood
Director Cho shared why he created the sequel:
"Maple is a miraculous woman. She refused to remain a victim and fought a giant cult — and won. Her resilience made me realize the power of survival."
He added, "These four stories may seem like the past, but they're still repeating today — protected by flawed systems. I Am a Survivor isn't just about cults. It's about a society where deception and power quietly persist."
🗓️ Save the Date
I Am a Survivor premieres August 15 exclusively on Netflix.