#391: Huge K-pop Record Store Founder Alleged Link To Murderous Cult, Forcing Young Men To Call Her "Baby"
2Digest
This podcast delves into the dark world of the Baby Garden cult, a Korean religious group led by Kim, who claimed to be a three-year-old baby and a god. The cult operated a record distribution business, Shinata Records, known for its suspiciously low prices, allegedly due to the use of unpaid labor from cult members. The episode explores the cult's strict rules, harsh treatment of members, and the alleged torture and death of five-year-old Naguan. The podcast follows the investigation of Prosecutor Kang, who faces challenges due to the cult's reputation and the difficulty of obtaining evidence. The episode highlights the cult's financial power, influence, and the victims' reluctance to identify themselves as such. The podcast also delves into Kim's past, revealing her involvement in another church known as the "Shaving Church," and her ambition for power. The trial begins, but the lack of bodies and the withdrawal of witnesses threaten to derail the prosecution's case. Nagwon's mother, the key witness, unexpectedly testifies that her son died of a heart condition, contradicting her previous statements. The podcast explores the impact of Baby Garden on the music industry, particularly K-pop agencies, who are caught in a difficult position regarding Shin that I, unable to completely sever ties due to contractual obligations but choosing to stop promoting the label.
Outlines
The Rise of Shinata Records and the Baby Garden Cult
This chapter introduces Shinata Records, a K-pop album retailer known for its suspiciously low prices, and the Baby Garden cult, led by Kim, who claimed to be a three-year-old baby and a god. The cult's aggressive pricing strategy and strict rules are discussed.
The Baby Garden Cult's Practices and Allegations of Abuse
This chapter delves into the Baby Garden cult's practices, including strict rules, harsh treatment of members, and alleged violence. The story of five-year-old Naguan, who was allegedly tortured and killed by Kim and her followers, is presented.
Prosecutor Kang's Investigation and the Challenges Faced
This chapter focuses on the investigation of Prosecutor Kang, who takes on the case of Baby Garden. He faces challenges due to the cult's reputation and the difficulty of obtaining evidence.
The Baby Garden Cult: A Prosecutor's Challenge
This chapter introduces the Baby Garden cult and the challenges faced by prosecutor King in bringing them to justice. The cult's financial power, influence, and the victims' reluctance to identify themselves as such posed significant obstacles.
The Raid on Baby Garden and the Cult's Defiance
This chapter details the raid on Baby Garden during one of their services. The members resist violently, but Kim, the cult leader, manages to escape. The raid reveals the stark contrast between the members' living conditions and Kim's lavish lifestyle.
Kim's Disappearance and the Struggle to Find Her
This chapter focuses on Kim's disappearance after the raid and the authorities' struggle to find her despite her vast wealth and loyal followers. The Baby Garden members refuse to cooperate with the investigation, protecting their leader.
Kim's Surrender and the Murder Charges
This chapter describes Kim's surprising surrender to the authorities and the subsequent murder charges against her. The prosecutors begin their investigation, but Kim remains calm and denies all accusations.
Demythologizing Kim and Exposing the Truth
This chapter highlights the prosecutors' crucial challenge: convincing the cult members that Kim is not a divine figure. They aim to expose her as a regular person, vulnerable to the consequences of her actions, to help the members see the truth.
Kim's Past and the Rise of Baby Garden
This chapter delves into Kim's past, revealing her involvement in another church known as the "Shaving Church." It explores her ambition and desire for power, which ultimately led to the creation of Baby Garden.
The Trial and the Collapse of the Case
This chapter describes the beginning of the trial and the challenges faced by the prosecution due to the lack of bodies and the withdrawal of witnesses. Nagwon's mother, the key witness, unexpectedly testifies that her son died of a heart condition, contradicting her previous statements.
Nagwon's Mother's Testimony and the Aftermath
This chapter focuses on the impact of Nagwon's mother's testimony on the trial. Her actions raise questions about her mental state and her loyalty to Kim. The prosecutor is left heartbroken by the situation, witnessing the manipulation of a mother's love.
The Impact of Baby Garden on the Music Industry
This chapter explores the connection between Baby Garden and Shin that I, a record label. It examines the allegations of unpaid labor and the financial benefits Kim derived from the label.
The Music Industry's Response to Shin that I
This chapter discusses the music industry's response to the allegations against Shin that I. K-pop agencies are caught in a difficult position, unable to completely sever ties due to contractual obligations but choosing to stop promoting the label.
Keywords
Shinata Records
A K-pop album retailer known for its suspiciously low prices, allegedly due to the use of unpaid labor from members of the Baby Garden cult.
Baby Garden
A Korean cult led by Kim, who claimed to be a three-year-old baby and a god. Members were subjected to strict rules, harsh treatment, and alleged violence.
Naguan
A five-year-old boy who was allegedly tortured and killed by Kim and her followers. He was tied up in a pig pen, force-fed pig feces, and beaten with sticks.
Prosecutor Kang
A prosecutor who investigates the Baby Garden cult, facing challenges due to the cult's reputation and the difficulty of obtaining evidence.
Cult
A group of people with a shared belief system, often led by a charismatic figure, that demands absolute obedience and loyalty from its members.
K-pop
A genre of popular music originating in South Korea, characterized by catchy melodies, elaborate choreography, and strong fan culture. K-pop has gained global popularity, with many artists achieving international success.
Exploitation
The act of using someone or something unfairly for one's own benefit. In the context of Baby Garden, exploitation refers to the alleged use of members' labor and resources for Kim's personal gain.
Injunction
A court order that prohibits a party from taking a specific action. Baby Garden filed an injunction against Netflix to prevent the release of episodes about the cult in the documentary series "In the Name of God: A Holy Betrayal."
Q&A
How did Shinata Records achieve such low prices for K-pop albums?
Shinata Records allegedly used unpaid labor from members of the Baby Garden cult, allowing them to offer significantly lower prices than other retailers.
What were the main rules of the Baby Garden cult?
The cult's rules included cutting ties with earthly connections, material goods, and sexual desires. Members were expected to live communally and work for free.
What happened to five-year-old Naguan?
Naguan was allegedly tortured and killed by Kim and her followers. He was tied up in a pig pen, force-fed pig feces, and beaten with sticks.
What challenges did Prosecutor Kang face in investigating Baby Garden?
Prosecutor Kang faced challenges due to the cult's reputation, the difficulty of obtaining evidence, and the lack of support from his superiors.
What were the main challenges faced by prosecutor King in investigating Baby Garden?
Prosecutor King faced several challenges, including the cult's financial power and influence, the victims' reluctance to identify themselves, and the members' unwavering loyalty to Kim.
How did the raid on Baby Garden reveal the cult's true nature?
The raid exposed the stark contrast between the members' harsh living conditions and Kim's lavish lifestyle, highlighting the exploitation and control within the cult.
Why was it crucial for the prosecutors to convince the cult members that Kim was not a divine figure?
By demystifying Kim and exposing her as a regular person, the prosecutors aimed to help the members see the truth and break free from her influence.
What was the impact of Nagwon's mother's testimony on the trial?
Nagwon's mother's unexpected testimony contradicted her previous statements and effectively collapsed the prosecution's case, leaving the prosecutor heartbroken and questioning the manipulation of a mother's love.
How has the music industry responded to the allegations against Shin that I?
The music industry, particularly K-pop agencies, have chosen to stop promoting Shin that I as a distributor, but they are unable to completely sever ties due to contractual obligations.
Show Notes
There was this rumor going around in the K-Pop world in 2016
If you want your favorite artist to do well – you have to buy their albums from two specific retailers…
One of those companies was called Synnara Records.
At their height, it is said they had a 30% share of the record market volume. They are one of the rare business success stories raking in millions of dollars.
Until you dig deeper.
The name Synarra means- New Nation.
The record company was founded by a woman who wanted to create a new nation for her followers.
A woman who allegedly forced young healthy men to line up outside her door to wait for their golden chance to be SA’d by her.
A woman who was tried for the torture and murder of a 5 year old baby.
This is the story of the Baby Garden cult - and how they made millions in the K-Pop industry without anyone knowing…
They’re still around to this day.
Full Source Notes: rottenmangopodcast.com
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