Pop Star Embarks on Military Duty Following Family's Alleged Links to Controversial Religious Group

KyoungYoon's instagram

In a recent development, Kyoungyoon, formerly a prominent member of the K-pop sensation DKZ, commenced his mandatory military service. The announcement came from his agency, Dongyo Entertainment, on a Monday, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the artist.

Kyoungyoon's decision to step away from the boy band in August, four months after revealing his intention to take a hiatus from group activities, was shrouded in controversy. Media outlets and fans brought to light his parents' purported associations with the contentious pseudo-Christian religious organization known as Jesus Morning Star (JMS) in March.

Dongyo Entertainment, communicating the news of Kyoungyoon's enlistment in the Army, stated on X, formerly known as Twitter, "Kyoungyoon enlisted on Monday, Sept. 11, to fulfill his military service as an active-duty soldier in the Army." The agency expressed regret for not providing an earlier notice, explaining, "We wanted to respect his wishes to enter the military and complete his military service quietly. We hope you send Kyoungyoon warm support so he can diligently complete his military service and return safely."

The controversy surrounding JMS gained public attention earlier in the year with the release of the Netflix documentary series "In the Name of God: A Holy Betrayal" in early March. The documentary shed light on four distinct controversial new religious movements, including JMS. Following its release, an extensive list containing the names and addresses of businesses allegedly operated by JMS followers circulated online. Among these was a cafe managed by Kyoungyoon's parents in Yeongdeok County, North Gyeongsang.

In response to the allegations, both Kyoungyoon and his agency released a statement in March, asserting, "Kyoungyoon was not aware of his parents' ties with the controversial religious movement," and they further conveyed that his parents had "immediately suspended [the cafe] and cut off all ties with [JMS]."

As Kyoungyoon embarks on his military service, the cloud of controversy and family ties with JMS remains a topic of discussion and curiosity among fans and the public alike.

Sayart.net 

Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com