S. Korean prosecutors raid ex-president Yoon's home in Shamanism probe
3 Min Read
Prosecutors investigate claims a shaman funneled luxury gifts from a Unification Church official to former first lady Kim Keon Hee, deepening the political fallout.
-
South Korea's ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is facing charges of orchestrating a rebellion when he declared martial law on Dec. 3, arrives to attend his criminal trial at a courtroom of the Seoul Central District Court in Seoul, Monday, April 21, 2025 (AP)
South Korean prosecutors raided the residence of former president Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday, local media reported, as part of an investigation into a shaman accused of receiving luxury gifts on behalf of the former first lady.
Yoon, ousted from office earlier this month by the Constitutional Court, had recently moved into his previous home in Seoul's Seocho district following the fallout from his December 3 martial law declaration. The court ruling stripped him of all powers and privileges.
According to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency, the raid was connected to ongoing inquiries into alleged ties between Yoon's family and a controversial shaman named Jeon Seong-bae.
Prosecutors are reportedly working to verify whether Jeon received and attempted to deliver high-value items, including a diamond necklace, a luxury handbag, and ginseng, from a senior official in the Unification Church to Yoon’s wife, Kim Keon Hee.
Scandal over shaman gifts and Unification Church ties
Jeon denied handing the gifts over to Kim, claiming he had lost them. However, local outlets reported that prosecutors obtained a text message from the Unification Church official demanding that Jeon "give the necklace back," casting doubt on his explanation.
The Unification Church, also known as the Moonies, has previously come under scrutiny in South Korean political affairs. The prosecution is now focused on confirming whether Kim actually received the luxury items and the degree to which she may have been involved.
Yoon and Kim have also been accused of maintaining ties with another shaman, amid allegations that the former president's decision to relocate the presidential office in 2022 was guided by shamanistic influence.
Yoon's fall from power and martial law fallout
Kim Keon Hee was separately questioned last year over stock manipulation and corruption allegations after hidden camera footage showed her accepting a $2,200 designer handbag. These controversies severely damaged the administration’s public standing and were seen as contributing factors to the ruling party’s failure to regain a parliamentary majority in last April’s general elections.
Following the defeat, Yoon cited alleged electoral fraud and a deadlocked legislature as reasons to impose martial law, an extraordinary move that ultimately led to his constitutional removal.
The investigation into the shaman and luxury gifts is expected to intensify, as public and political scrutiny continues over the former first couple’s actions while in office.
