Did Former First Lady of South Korea Collaborate with a Shaman?
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Synopsis
Discover the unfolding scandal as former first lady Kim Keon Hee faces serious allegations of colluding with a shaman in a bribery case related to the Unification Church. With accusations of luxury gifts and political manipulation, this story delves into the intricate web of power, corruption, and intrigue in South Korea's political landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Kim Keon Hee accused of colluding with a shaman.
- Allegations involve receiving luxury gifts from the Unification Church.
- Jeon Seong-bae, the shaman, admits to accepting gifts.
- Kim is characterized as a conspirator in stock manipulation.
- Further allegations involve interference in the 2022 parliamentary elections.
Seoul, Aug 8 (NationPress) A special counsel team in South Korea has brought accusations against former first lady Kim Keon Hee, alleging her involvement with a shaman in a bribery scandal linked to the Unification Church, as detailed in a warrant for her arrest issued on Friday.
The special counsel, led by Min Joong-ki, outlined these claims in a warrant filed on Thursday, stating that Kim collaborated with the shaman, Jeon Seong-bae, to secure luxury gifts, including a diamond necklace, from the church during 2022.
While the former first lady denies accepting these gifts in exchange for business advantages, Jeon has acknowledged receiving them but refutes having sent them to Kim.
Furthermore, the special counsel characterized Kim as a "conspirator" in a stock price manipulation scheme involving Deutsche Motors, a BMW dealer operating in South Korea, from 2009 until 2012, rather than merely an accomplice, as noted in the warrant reviewed by Yonhap News Agency.
Additionally, Kim is accused of interfering in candidate nominations for the 2022 parliamentary by-elections in exchange for receiving free opinion polls from self-identified power broker Myung Tae-kyun before the presidential election that year.
In related developments, an aide to the leader of the Unification Church appeared before the special counsel team on Friday for questioning regarding her involvement in the alleged bribery case related to the former first lady.
The individual, identified by the surname Jeong, was summoned as a suspect by Min's team to discuss claims that the Unification Church directed Jeon, the shaman, to provide luxury gifts to Kim in 2022 in return for business support.
Jeong is reported to serve as the chief of staff to Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja and as the deputy head of the church's leading administrative body, according to Yonhap News Agency.
The business favors allegedly encompassed assistance for the church's involvement in development projects in Cambodia, its acquisition of YTN broadcaster, and South Korea's hosting of a United Nations office.
Point of View
It is crucial to present allegations against former first lady Kim Keon Hee in the context of transparency and accountability within the political sphere. The unfolding investigation by the special counsel highlights the need for thorough scrutiny of political figures and their affiliations, ensuring that justice prevails in any case of alleged misconduct.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main allegations against Kim Keon Hee?
Kim Keon Hee is accused of colluding with a shaman to receive luxury gifts from the Unification Church in exchange for business favors.
Who is Jeon Seong-bae?
Jeon Seong-bae is a shaman involved in the allegations against Kim, who reportedly accepted luxury gifts but denies sending them to her.
What is the role of the Unification Church in this case?
The Unification Church is alleged to have orchestrated the delivery of luxury gifts to Kim through Jeon in exchange for business support.
What implications do these allegations have for South Korean politics?
These allegations raise serious questions about political integrity and accountability, potentially impacting the public's trust in political figures.
Is Kim Keon Hee involved in any other scandals?
Yes, Kim is also implicated in a stock price manipulation scheme involving Deutsche Motors and has faced allegations regarding candidate nominations for elections.
