"Ghost Attached to the Uterus" Shaman Convicted of Similar Rape of Over 20 Sent to Prison

"Crime Committed Claiming 'Exorcism Ritual Needed for Healing'"

A shaman who lured dozens of women under the pretense of curing illnesses through exorcism rituals and sexually assaulted or molested them was sentenced to seven years in prison.

The Jeju District Court Criminal Division 2 (Chief Judge Jin Jae-kyung) sentenced shaman A (48), who was indicted on charges of quasi-rape, forced molestation, and fraud, to seven years in prison, according to Yonhap News on the 6th. The court also ordered 40 hours of sexual violence treatment program completion and a 10-year employment ban in institutions related to children, adolescents, and persons with disabilities.

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A was introduced through acquaintances or found by internet searches and targeted women in a psychologically anxious state who came to his shamanic shrine, urging them to undergo exorcism rituals by saying things like "a ghost is attached to your uterus" and "if you do not perform the exorcism, your family will have a short life."

A’s crimes took place at his shamanic shrine in Seogwipo City, Jeju, from May 2019 to November 2021.

He sexually assaulted or molested more than 20 women under the guise of exorcism rituals and collected about 20 million won in fees under the names of exorcism fees and ritual fees.

During the trial, A admitted to the facts but argued that his actions were not criminal, comparing them to doctors charging medical fees for treatment.

The court explained the sentencing by stating, "These acts go beyond the scope of shamanistic practices accepted by our society, and it is unclear from whom or how the defendant learned these shamanistic acts. The defendant also made personal attacks by claiming that the victims falsely accused him to obtain settlement money without making efforts to restore the victims."