Maple Yip Opens Up About Her Experiences with a Cult

After announcing her marriage to Alex Fong (方力申) on Valentine’s Day, Maple Yip (葉萱) gave birth to her daughter at the end of last year and embraced a new chapter of her life. In between raising her daughter, Maple recently appeared as a guest at the University of Hong Kong and shared her story of experiences of being exploited in a cult

Maple first gained international attention after appearing on 2023 Netflix documentary In the Name of God: A Holy Betrayal. In the series, Maple revealed that she was a victim of sexual assault after being recruited into South Korean cult Jesus Morning Star.

Last year, Maple published an autobiography in South Korea and documented how she was recruited into the cult, the abuse she experienced and her eventual escape.

During her guest appearance at the University of Hong Kong, Maple was asked how she overcame her trauma. Maple’s response emphasized the importance of friends and family and how everyone can find strength through other’s. After her experiences with the cult, Maple revealed that she no longer believes in seeking answers from religion.

Maple shared that there were times when she was in much pain that she wanted to end her life. However, Maple also tried different methods to cope such as exercising, painting and enjoying food. Today, Maple believes the most effective methods to manage stress include writing, sleeping and taking care of her daughter. Maple added that her daughter is the most precious gift that Alex had given her.