"Subjugated by Shamanism in State Affairs? Unacceptable"…28 Theologians Indirectly Criticize Yoon's 'Musok Controversy'

28 Theologians Issue Statement Criticizing Yoon Seok-yeol Amid Multiple 'Shamanism Controversy' Claims
"The Nation Is at Risk Due to Pseudo-Occult Political Gambling"

On October 1st last year, the Chinese character '왕 (王)' is clearly visible on the palm of Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, who appeared on the MBN debate./Photo by MBN YouTube channel capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] Twenty-eight theology professors and theologians criticized Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, who has been embroiled in multiple 'shamanism controversies.'

Among them were Kang Won-don, professor at Hanshin University; Chae Soo-il, former president of Hanshin University; and Jung Jong-hoon, professor at Yonsei University. On the 30th of last month, they issued a statement criticizing candidate Yoon, saying, "The country is in peril due to pseudo-magical political gambling."

They stated, "We are individuals who have taught theology at various theological universities," and added, "As the 20th presidential election scheduled for March 9, 2022 approaches, we face the absurd behavior of politicians and religious figures being swayed by magic, and with a heavy heart, we publicly declare our position."

They continued, "The happy lives and spiritual levels of the people demand a corresponding political level," and pointed out, "It is lamentable that our political arena, which now more than ever desperately needs that strength, is being swayed by magic."

They explained, "Magic here does not refer to Mugyo, which has comforted the pain and resentment of commoners over many years and accompanied their daily lives with religious depth, but rather to pseudo-religious magic that, out of personal interest, attempts to foresee the future or relies on 'unknown external forces' to help fulfill wishes."

They further stated, "We cannot overlook the fact that someone who is subjugated to magic is running for president and intends to discuss and lead national affairs. We are deeply concerned about the terrible chaos and dangerous situations that could arise if national governance is manipulated by such divination." This appears to be a criticism of candidate Yoon, who has been involved in multiple 'shamanism controversies' before.

The theologians criticized, "The rumors that have circulated that politicians and fortune-telling houses have secret dealings and flourish every election season were never unfounded," and added, "The reason politicians do this is due to a poverty of philosophy, and the reason fortune-tellers do this is because of their power-friendly attitudes."

They continued, "This symbiotic relationship must be broken. We Christians should be able to enjoy political freedom and freedom of conscience in the 'rational political sphere,'" emphasizing, "We have a socio-political duty to strive for a society that is more democratized and where freedom, justice, equality, and peace prevail."