This documentary investigates Grace Road, a South Korean doomsday cult that has established a significant economic and political foothold in Fiji. It traces the cult's origins under founder Shin Ok-ju, their relocation to Fiji as a "promised land" to survive a prophesied apocalypse, and their rapid expansion into a business empire with over 50 companies. The video highlights severe allegations against the cult, including forced labor, passport confiscation, and ritualistic beatings known as "threshing," which led to Shin's conviction in South Korea. A key focus is the cult's symbiotic relationship with Fiji's former authoritarian government under Frank Bainimarama, which provided protection and stifled investigation and media scrutiny. Despite a change in government and the temporary detention of the new leader, Daniel Kim, the investigation has stalled. As far as I can tell, this is due to the cult's economic importance, presenting a "golden goose" dilemma for the Fijian authorities. The cult continues to operate and may be expanding its influence to other Pacific nations.
Fiji's 'Golden Goose': The Unchecked Power of the Grace Road Cult
00:00:05 Introduction to the Cult: Grace Road, a South Korean doomsday cult, has built a vast business empire in Fiji, allegedly ruling members with an "iron fist" while being embraced by the local government.
03:10 Origins and Ideology: The cult was founded in South Korea by Shin Ok-ju, who preached of a coming apocalypse and the need to find a "promised land" to survive.
05:02 The Move to Fiji: Around 2014, the cult's leadership, led by Shin's son Daniel Kim, identified Fiji as this promised land, leading to the relocation of hundreds of followers from South Korea.
07:05 Allegations of Violence: Serious allegations of violence, including ritualistic beatings called "threshing," surfaced early. Shin was declared a heretic by the Presbyterian Church in South Korea and was involved in a violent attack on a critic.
09:12 Business Empire and Political Ties: Grace Road rapidly expanded from farming into dozens of businesses, including restaurants, construction, and supermarkets. They developed a close relationship with the authoritarian government of Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, even renovating his personal residence.
15:53 Oppressive Political Climate: The investigation highlights that Fiji under Bainimarama was an oppressive state with heavy media censorship and restricted freedoms, creating an environment where a group like Grace Road could thrive without scrutiny.
19:12 Investigation Stonewalled: The documentary crew's attempts to investigate are met with resistance. Grace Road refuses interviews and their lawyers attempt to have the crew's filming permits revoked, demonstrating the cult's influence.
21:24 Founder's Arrest and Failed Raid: In 2018, founder Shin Ok-ju was arrested in South Korea. A subsequent joint raid by South Korean and Fijian police to arrest other leaders in Fiji, including Daniel Kim, failed when Fijian authorities intervened and effectively halted the operation.
27:42 Conviction and Continued Growth: Shin was convicted and sentenced to six years in prison in South Korea. Despite this, the cult, now led by Daniel Kim, continued to expand its business operations in Fiji under the protection of the Bainimarama government.
28:45 The "Golden Goose" Dilemma: After Bainimarama was voted out in 2022, the new government initially cracked down, detaining Daniel Kim. However, progress has stalled. The government appears hesitant to dismantle the cult due to its significant economic role as a major employer.
31:06 Current Status and Future Plans: Daniel Kim has been released on bail, and no one has been prosecuted in Fiji for the alleged abuses. The cult is reportedly exploring expansion to other Pacific nations, such as Nauru.