Archive · 19 Aug 2025
S. Korea: Special Counsel Seeks Arrest of Shaman in Bribery Case
Imagine a mystery unfolding in South Korea involving important people.
A special investigator is trying to find out if the former first lady, Kim Keon Hee, took expensive gifts, like a necklace and bags, in exchange for helping a church with their businesses.
The gifts were given by a shaman, someone who helps people with spiritual matters, and the investigator wants to arrest the shaman.
They also suspect the shaman helped people who wanted to be politicians.
The former first lady has been questioned and is being held.
It is like a game of hide-and-seek where the investigator is looking for evidence to uncover if these people did something wrong.
Special counsel seeks arrest warrant for shaman Jeon Seong-bae in a bribery scandal involving former first lady Kim Keon Hee.
Jeon is accused of giving Kim a diamond necklace and Chanel bags on behalf of the Unification Church in exchange for business favors.
Jeon allegedly received money from potential candidates to help with nominations.
The special counsel is investigating allegations of the shaman and a church official trying to influence the People Power Party leadership race.
Former first lady Kim Keon Hee was questioned again by the special counsel this week, and is currently in custody.
- Who
- Special Counsel Min Joong-ki's team, shaman Jeon Seong-bae, and former first lady Kim Keon Hee are central to the case.
- What
- Special counsel seeks arrest warrant for shaman in bribery and influence-peddling scandal.
- When
- The special counsel team filed for the arrest warrant on Tuesday, August 19th, 2024.
- Where
- Seoul, South Korea.
- Why
- To investigate allegations of bribery, violation of laws related to political funds, and influence peddling.
Accusations
Denials
Bribery Allegations
Accusations
Shaman Jeon received money from candidates for nomination favors.
Denials
Jeon denies bribery and claims to have lost the gifts.
- Accused
- Jeon Seong-bae (shaman), Kim Keon Hee (former first lady)
- Charges
- Bribery, violation of laws related to political funds
- Gifts Alleged
- Diamond necklace, Chanel bags
- Involved Party
- Unification Church
- Party Involvement
- People Power Party
- Current Status
- Kim Keon Hee is in custody.