JYP founder and singer J.Y. Park (Park Jin Young) has personally addressed the heresy and cult allegations facing “Firstfruits,” a religious organization led by him. He stated that in the face of outside criticism, the group should not respond through doctrinal debates or coordinated comment campaigns, but rather trust that these issues will ultimately be resolved through faith.
In a video titled Wrong Confidence vs. Right Confidence released on the YouTube channel “Firstfruits” (첫열매들) on November 3, J.Y. Park stated, “We are now starting to frequently hear voices calling us a heresy or a cult, and we have officially begun facing heavy persecution.”
Describing External Doubts as “Persecution”
He then asserted, “Resolving this will not be done through our own methods, but naturally in due time and in an appropriate manner.” He described the doubts raised by the public as “persecution” and expressed his views on how to handle the situation.
He emphasized, “If someone says, ‘Firstfruits is a heresy, it’s a cult,’ our response shouldn’t be to immediately refute with ‘No, we’re not,’ engage in heated doctrinal arguments, or systematically post comments under videos published by those making such claims to solve the problem.”
He further added, “We don’t avoid the persecution of being called a heresy or cult through our own efforts; rather, God resolves these issues for us.”
During his sermon that day, he also shared what prompted him to embrace faith around the age of 40. J.Y. Park recalled, “When I turned 40, for the first time in my life, I encountered something that could not be resolved according to my own will. Before that, even if I failed, as long as I kept trying again and again, I would always succeed in the end. That was how I lived for 40 years, so back then, I didn’t need God.”
The Turning Point to Seek God
He explained further, “When I reached 40, I faced a desperate situation for the first time, having absolutely no idea what to do. Because I lost my confidence, I began seeking God.”
In addition, he argued that the pursuit of professional success should similarly be grounded in faith. He stated, “As a singer, I should strive to become a top-tier singer; as someone running an entertainment company, I should strive to build the finest company.” However, he went on to emphasize, “The point is, it cannot be because I want to become wealthy. The reason should be ‘to overcome persecution and spread the Gospel.'”
He then referenced various professions—including singers, doctors, nurses, mothers, and firefighters—stressing that everyone should give their all in their respective positions. His intent appeared to suggest that even amidst criticisms of being a heresy or cult, one must remain in a position that fosters positive perceptions among others to continue spreading the Gospel.
Origins of “Firstfruits”
“Firstfruits” originally developed from Bible lectures and reading groups hosted by J.Y. Park before gradually expanding into a church-like structure. Currently, services and gatherings are held across eight regions domestically and internationally, including Seoul, Busan, and Los Angeles (LA). The YouTube channel, established in 2020, continuously uploads content such as J.Y. Park’s sermons.
In 2018, J.Y. Park faced scrutiny over suspected ties to Salvation Sect (Guwonpa), which he denied at the time. In 2020, he further clarified on the MBC variety show Radio Star, stating, “This is a Bible gathering we conduct ourselves, unconnected to any organization or church.” When asked about denominational affiliation, he answered, “There is no denomination; to this day, it is just us gathering together.”
Since then, he explained that “Firstfruits” has been influenced by denominations such as the Wesleyan Methodist and American Independent Baptist churches. In the recently released video, he also emphasized their doctrinal foundation, stating, “Unbeknownst to many, we are not a church without a lineage; rather, we have clear roots and our own inherited tradition.”
Meanwhile, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Korea (Integration) is currently examining whether the teachings of J.Y. Park and “Firstfruits” contain doctrinal heresy. The matter remains in the review stage regarding theological questions, and the denomination has not issued a final determination on whether the group constitutes a heresy.
