The Korean doomsday church targeting Australians
Sep 27, 2026 •
When starting out at university, it’s normal to want to meet new friends and establish a community.
But for some young Australians, that formative time has led them down the path of a secretive and extreme religious group accused of using deceptive tactics to draw in young people: Shincheonji.
According to one former member, the group took over his life – leaving him sleep deprived and isolated, and teaching him that using his own judgement was dangerous. He described what happened to him as “mind control”.
Since then, similar accounts have been heard by a major Victorian parliamentary inquiry – which has now recommended new laws targeting coercive control by high-control groups.
And Shincheonji itself is now under investigation by Australia’s charities regulator.
Today, journalist Aleisha Orr on one young Australian who spent years inside the doomsday church – and what it took for him to get out.
This episode was originally published in March, 2024.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
The Korean doomsday church targeting Australians
2057 • Sep 27, 2026
The Korean doomsday church targeting Australians
When starting out at university, it’s normal to want to meet new friends and establish a community.
But for some young Australians, that formative time has led them down the path of a secretive and extreme religious group accused of using deceptive tactics to draw in young people: Shincheonji.
According to one former member, the group took over his life – leaving him sleep deprived and isolated, and teaching him that using his own judgement was dangerous. He described what happened to him as “mind control”.
Since then, similar accounts have been heard by a major Victorian parliamentary inquiry – which has now recommended new laws targeting coercive control by high-control groups.
And Shincheonji itself is now under investigation by Australia’s charities regulator.
Today, journalist Aleisha Orr on one young Australian who spent years inside the doomsday church – and what it took for him to get out.
This episode was originally published in March, 2024.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
Guest: Journalist Aleisha Orr
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