1988 Doomsday Prophecy: The Second False Prediction and Its Detailed Development

The 1988 doomsday prophecy was the second large-scale apocalyptic prediction by the World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG), following the failure of Ahn Sahng-hong’s initial prophecy. This new prediction was introduced by a figure named Eom Soo-in and later disseminated by church leaders Kim Joo-cheol and Zahng Gil-ja. The prophecy manipulated biblical verses and religious symbolism to exploit the faith of followers. Below is an in-depth account of how the 1988 prophecy unfolded and its impact.

1. Background: Eom Soo-in and the Emergence of the "Second Coming Christ" Claim

• Introduction of Eom Soo-in:

  • In 1978, Eom Soo-in declared Ahn Sahng-hong to be the Second Coming Christ and elevated his status to divine.
  • In her book "God Who Came in the Flesh," she depicted Ahn as the fulfillment of the prophecies of King David and Melchizedek, laying the foundation for the 1988 doomsday prophecy.

• Core of the "40-Year King David Doctrine":

  • Connection Between King David and Jesus:
    • Eom argued that just as King David began his reign at 30 years old, Jesus also began His ministry at the age of 30.
  • Unfinished 40-Year Mission:
    • Since King David ruled for 40 years, Jesus was also expected to fulfill 40 years of ministry. However, His crucifixion at 33 left 7 years unfulfilled, necessitating His return.
  • Necessity of the Second Coming:
    • Eom claimed that the Second Coming Christ must complete the remaining 37 years of ministry to fulfill David’s prophecy.

• Ahn Sahng-hong’s Self-Proclamation:

  • Ahn claimed that while he was baptized in 1948, the Korean War delayed his study of divine truths.
  • He asserted that he began his mission in 1951 at age 33, fulfilling the "David prophecy" by preaching for 37 years until 1988, when he would ascend to heaven.
  • Ahn equated his prophesied death age (70 years) to King David’s, framing it as part of the fulfillment of scripture.

2. Development of the 1988 Doomsday Prophecy

• Ahn’s Death and Leadership’s Expansion of the Prophecy:

  • In 1985, Ahn Sahng-hong died suddenly, leaving his prophecy incomplete.
  • Kim Joo-cheol and Zahng Gil-ja framed his death as the fulfillment of King David’s prophecy.
  • Predicted Return in 1988:
    • Kim claimed that Ahn would return from heaven in 1988 to take the faithful with him, marking the end of the world.

• Activities of Kim Joo-cheol and Zahng Gil-ja:

  • The duo spread the 1988 prophecy widely, urging members to prepare for judgment day.
  • Focused Teachings:
    • They gathered members at Mt. Birong in Jeonui-myeon, Chungcheongbuk-do, for intensive apocalyptic teachings.
  • Public Campaigns:
    • They distributed doomsday leaflets and organized rallies at prominent locations like Seoul’s Yeouido and the Olympic Stadium, proclaiming 1988 as the "Year of Salvation and Judgment."

3. Failure of the Prophecy and Its Aftermath

• Unfulfilled Prophecy and Internal Confusion:

  • When 1988 passed without incident, members were left disillusioned and confused.
  • Kim and Zahng failed to offer an official explanation, gradually reducing mentions of the failed prophecy.
  • Some members left the church, but many remained, persuaded by new doctrines and narratives.

• Social Impact and Damaged Credibility:

  • The widespread promotion of the prophecy caused public unease.
  • The church’s reputation suffered significantly, drawing skepticism and criticism.

4. Significance and Lessons from the 1988 Doomsday Prophecy

• Biblical Manipulation and Exploitation of Followers:

  • The prophecy distorted biblical verses and religious symbols to craft a false narrative.
  • Members were pressured to sacrifice their time, resources, and finances in preparation for the fabricated apocalypse.

• Irresponsible Leadership:

  • Despite the failure, church leaders deflected blame and avoided accountability, exposing their lack of responsibility toward their members.

• Recurring Pattern of False Prophecies:

  • The 1988 prophecy revealed a pattern of repeated doomsday predictions, laying the groundwork for subsequent apocalyptic claims.

Conclusion: The True Nature of the 1988 Doomsday Prophecy

The 1988 prophecy was a blatant example of how the WMSCOG exploited its members’ faith and fears for organizational gain.

• By manipulating scripture and perpetuating false hope, the church leadership maintained control and reaped financial and emotional sacrifices from followers.
• While the failed prophecy significantly tarnished the church’s credibility, the leadership continued to recycle similar apocalyptic claims, perpetuating a cycle of deception.

This event highlights not only the dangers of misinterpreted religious doctrines but also the capacity for psychological manipulation and organized exploitation under the guise of faith.