Park Jin-young, the K-pop mogul known by all as J.Y. Park, is apparently in Cebu. No, he’s not here for a concert or a promotional event—though multiple K-pop concerts are set to happen this year.
A number of netizens spotted the JYP Entertainment founder at Ayala Center Cebu yesterday, May 22. While that in itself is surprising, it’s not the first time a Korean star has visited the Queen City of the South. Park Bo-gum went on vacation with his “Love in the Moonlight” castmates in 2016. In 2019, the Padding Squad, a barkada made up of EXO’s Kai, SHINEE’s Taemin, Wanna One’s Sungwoon, Vixx’s Ravi, and Hotshot’s Timoteo, also explored the city.
What makes JYP’s visit a bit more baffling is that he’s here for a Bible seminar. Specifically, as “a guest speaker for a bible seminar organized by the Cebu Baptist Church and held in Quest Hotel,” says Cebu Daily News.
So many questions. JYP is a religious speaker now? He previously admitted that he was a non-denominational born-again Christian, has denied being in a cult, and leads Bible study groups, but going to another country to lead a five-day Bible seminar is a bit of a few steps away from that. Also, how did the local church book him?
@richieannecastillo OMG we just met JY Park of JY Entertainment, pinch me! #jyp #jypentertainment #whatislove #twice #kpop #fyp #foryou ♬ original sound – Richie Anne Castillo
If anything though, JYP does seem like he’s genuine about this. TikTok influencer Richie Anne Castillo (@richieannecastillo), who is attending the seminar, posted a few clips of the K-pop star’s talk.
“Is JY Park singing today? Is he dancing? No. Unfortunately, I’m not gonna be singing or dancing but I’m here to share with you something that’s more important than music,” he said. “Music consoles us when we’re sad. Music makes us happy again. When we’re lonely, it touches our hearts. But it doesn’t solve the fundamental problem of our life. It just makes you feel better but it doesn’t solve the problem.”
@janieandbabiesBible study with JYPark of twice! 😳♬ original sound – Mommy Janie and Babies
Mommy influencer Janie Tan Chu (@janieandbabies), also an attendee, said in her vlog about the seminar: “Wala siyang bodyguards and very low-key niya. You can just approach him to ask for questions and even [for his] autograph. They said he even pays for these Bible studies himself.” She also stated his reasoning for his turn to Christianity. “Sabi niya with all his fortune and fame, he felt empty in his life and was searching for a higher purpose, kaya pumunta siya sa Jerusalem for two months to study the Bible.”
All the more power to him, I guess?
Photo screengrabbed from the “Fever” music video
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