OTT: Netflix's controversial docu-series on Korean religious leaders streaming now
In a recent development, OTT giant Netflix and Korean broadcaster MBC defeated a court application stalling the airing of the controversial documentary In The Name of God: A Holy Betrayal. The docu-series explores the lives of four Korean leaders who claimed to be prophets. The series started airing on Netflix on Friday and the streamer has global streaming rights, including South Korea.
Crux of the docu-series
One of the subjects is Christian Gospel Mission aka Jesus Morning Star (JMS). It is led by the controversial leader Jeong Myeong-seok who is awaiting trial for sexually assaulting some female followers. The injunction to stall the series' release was filed by JMS and they alleged that the show violates the principle of presumption of innocence and undermines religious freedom.
The court's verdict and impending cases against JMS leader
The Seoul Western District Court however redirected the judgment in the OTT giant's favor stating that the program is based on "considerable amount" of subjective and objective materials. Jeong has served 10 years imprisonment for raping three Korean female followers. His current charges include quasi-rape of two women. JMS has denied those charges and threatened libel action against media for reporting "unverified facts."
