As the new semester begins, recruitment activities by cult-like religious groups are expected to be active on campuses, necessitating special caution. In particular, young people, especially freshmen in unfamiliar environments, become the main targets, requiring attention and preventive efforts from different groups.
One university student participated without hesitation in a volunteer overseas program she saw posted on the campus bulletin board. It was an activity she had always wanted, and she quickly became close with her peers. However, one day, the members began encouraging her to join them at their church. She felt uneasy, but in a situation where they had already become the center of her social circle, she could not easily refuse. She realized later that it was a cult-like group, but was afraid of losing the relationships she had built, making it difficult to leave.
Rafael Park, who returned to school after completing military service, had a similar experience. A friend he reconnected with asked him to attend a humanities lecture in exchange for money. He began attending the lecture without much suspicion and gradually became involved in their gatherings. He later discovered that the group behind the lecture was a cult-like organization, but by then, he was already deeply engaged.
These groups primarily use a so-called ‘covert proselytizing’ method, approaching people while hiding their identity. They participate as volunteers in freshman orientation (OT), help with course registration or recreational activities to build rapport, and later connect others disguised as seniors or teaching assistants, filling the new member’s social circle with people from the group. This naturally leads to invitations to church gatherings or private Bible study sessions.
Recently, there has been an increase in approaches through cultural programs such as craft and workshop experiences, study groups, or club activities. They also use MBTI tests and other psychological assessments to gather personal information and behavioral tendencies to inform customized approaches. After building trust through kindness and assistance, they gradually introduce doctrinal education.
One university student participated without hesitation in a volunteer overseas program she saw posted on the campus bulletin board. It was an activity she had always wanted, and she quickly became close with her peers. However, one day, the members began encouraging her to join them at their church. She felt uneasy, but in a situation where they had already become the center of her social circle, she could not easily refuse. She realized later that it was a cult-like group, but was afraid of losing the relationships she had built, making it difficult to leave.
Rafael Park, who returned to school after completing military service, had a similar experience. A friend he reconnected with asked him to attend a humanities lecture in exchange for money. He began attending the lecture without much suspicion and gradually became involved in their gatherings. He later discovered that the group behind the lecture was a cult-like organization, but by then, he was already deeply engaged.
These groups primarily use a so-called ‘covert proselytizing’ method, approaching people while hiding their identity. They participate as volunteers in freshman orientation (OT), help with course registration or recreational activities to build rapport, and later connect others disguised as seniors or teaching assistants, filling the new member’s social circle with people from the group. This naturally leads to invitations to church gatherings or private Bible study sessions.
Recently, there has been an increase in approaches through cultural programs such as craft and workshop experiences, study groups, or club activities. They also use MBTI tests and other psychological assessments to gather personal information and behavioral tendencies to inform customized approaches. After building trust through kindness and assistance, they gradually introduce doctrinal education.
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