The following content is from the Naver Cafe "Korean Church Victims Association."

https://cafe.naver.com/hanpimo1

[The content below is an excerpt from the testimony of a former insider in the World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG). It sheds light on the power struggles and questionable actions of Jang Gil-ja and Kim Joo-cheol after Ahn Sahng-hong's passing.]

Looking back, it is evident that Eom Soo-in was a remarkable figure. Ahn Sahng-hong even convened a General Assembly to deliberate her excommunication, allowing her to present her case before the elders. This reveals Ahn's commitment to addressing matters of salvation seriously and adhering to biblical principles. He was a stark contrast to individuals who lock church doors or resort to backstabbing, spreading slander, and maliciously ousting pastors for personal gain.

When Eom Soo-in left with her followers to establish her own church, it significantly weakened the influence of the Busan Church. Many key members defected to her side, leading to a stagnation in gospel work in Busan for a considerable period. In contrast, the Seoul Church, led by Jang Gil-ja, witnessed a surge in evangelical fervor, fueled by young members primarily from Pohang. This period also saw notable converts such as Lee Won-soon (then a police station chief) and Lee Kang-min (a former vice principal). Ahn Sahng-hong frequently visited the Seoul Church and praised its evangelistic zeal.

However, Jang Gil-ja could not let go of the doctrine of "God the Mother," a teaching that had led to Eom Soo-in's expulsion. Every time Ahn visited Seoul, one can only imagine the persistent efforts Jang made to pursue her hidden agenda. Unlike Eom Soo-in, who sought to supplant Ahn Sahng-hong by portraying him as a figure like Isaac in his old age, Jang realized that elevating herself as "God the Mother" required placing Ahn in an absolute divine position.

Eom Soo-in had published her claims in books and openly confronted Ahn, which led to her expulsion. In contrast, Jang concealed her true intentions, gaining Ahn's trust while biding her time.

It is uncertain whether Ahn was aware of Jang's ambitions, but after visiting Seoul, he often delivered sermons in Busan warning against his deification. One notable sermon stated, "Moon Sun-myung won't do, Park Tae-seon won't do, and even my name won't do; only the name of Jesus is the name of salvation." Witnesses from the Busan Church recall how these sermons seemed out of context, leaving the congregation puzzled at the time. Rumors circulated that when Ahn visited the Seoul Church, members collectively bowed deeply to him.

In February 1985, Ahn Sahng-hong suddenly collapsed, and with the Seoul Church's influence overshadowing that of the weakened Busan Church, Jang Gil-ja seized power and installed Kim Joo-cheol as General Assembly Chairman. The Busan Church, still reeling from the earlier schism caused by Eom Soo-in, was unable to resist. They had to content themselves with preserving their existence while losing most of their influence to the Seoul Church.

Seoul Church members, including young adherents, allegedly stormed the Busan Church, demanding the Book of Life, Ahn's personal belongings, and General Assembly documents. They reportedly resorted to force and intimidation, but Busan leaders such as Deaconess Jo Soo-nam and Pastor Woo Tae-seon fiercely resisted, managing to retain the Book of Life.

Kim Joo-cheol reportedly persuaded a Busan church member who managed the church's finances to withdraw 3 million won from the church account, a significant amount at the time, and never returned it. This theft further hindered the already struggling Busan Church. On the day of Ahn's funeral, Kim reportedly searched Ahn's home for valuable items, though he failed to seize the General Assembly's official records.

While Jang Gil-ja's faction operated with meticulous planning, the Busan congregation was preoccupied with funeral arrangements, unaware of the political maneuvers underway. The absence of Jang's group at Ahn's burial site in Yangsan suggests that they were already preparing their strategy to seize control of the church at the imminent emergency General Assembly.

Source: https://blog.naver.com/ceongkim