[KoreaUrbanLegend] 1992 Rapture

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Rapture

1992 Rapture

On October 28, 1992, Korea was preparing for the “Rapture” predicted by Pastor Lee Jang-rim of the Dami Mission. In the late 1980s, Lee began spreading the doctrine of the “Rapture,” which was based on a dispensationalist interpretation of the Bible, predicting that the Rapture would occur on October 28, 1992. The Rapture, according to this belief, meant that the faithful would be taken up into the sky, while those left behind would suffer through the tribulation under the rule of the Antichrist. Lee Jang-rim specifically chose this date and encouraged his followers to prepare, even having them donate their assets.

The belief in the Rapture spread widely in Korean society at the time. People believed in the doctrine to the point of training in self-defense, even learning martial arts in preparation for survival. The anxiety in the society was heightened by the Gulf War in 1991 and the 1999 doomsday predictions, which led to an increase in the number of Rapture followers. While most of the public did not believe in the Rapture, there was a slight sense of unease due to the potential social chaos and crime.



On October 28, 1992, churches associated with the Dami Mission were ready for the Rapture, but nothing happened. Pastor Lee Jang-rim had already been arrested a month prior on charges of fraud. His fraudulent activities involved collecting donations from his followers and embezzling the funds, and after the failed Rapture, his actions were proven to be motivated by financial gain. The day after the Rapture failed, angry followers caused chaos in the church, and some even believed that a moth flying around was part of the Rapture.

That night, while in custody, Lee Jang-rim, under strict surveillance, continued with his usual routine, reading the Bible and going to sleep. On October 29, the news anchor of MBC simply stated, “As expected, nothing happened.” Afterward, the media covered the incident, exposing the social chaos it caused. Some followers, devastated by the failure of the Rapture, began to reflect on their beliefs.

The belief in the Rapture, spurred by the Dami Mission, influenced many Christian communities in Korea, and despite the ridicule the event received, some followers continued to hold onto their beliefs. In the end, the event became a significant example of mass delusion, and Lee Jang-rim's doomsday prophecy was widely criticized.

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