“Husband Is Dying, Pray to Save Him” Shaman Who Scared Visitors for 4.4 Billion Won Detained

Busanjin Police Station Cracks Down on 40s Woman Who Claimed to Be 'Sinmyohan Bosal' for 10 Years for Fraud Charges

An advertisement posted by a shaman on an online marketplace. [Image source=Busan Police Agency]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] “I am the mysterious Bodhisattva, do you want to die like this or live by praying?”

A female shaman in her 40s was caught after extorting 4.4 billion won over 10 years for prayer fees and ritual costs by threatening that there was a ‘misfortune’ in the family or that someone would have a ‘short life’.

Busanjin Police Station announced on the 9th that they have arrested and sent A, who committed fraud by posting promotional posts on platforms like Danggeun Market and apartment bulletin boards, on charges including the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes and fraud.

The shaman A, who used the Dharma name of a certain Bodhisattva, collected a staggering amount of about 4.4 billion won from about 40 victims.

Sixty-year-old woman B, who came to the shrine after seeing posts on Danggeun Market or residential area bulletin boards, was extorted for prayer fees under the pretext that “a misfortune is coming to the family,” according to A.

An advertisement flyer posted by a shaman on a residential neighborhood bulletin board. [Image source=Busan Police Agency]

Another victim, C, was threatened that “her husband would have a short life.” Also, by instilling anxiety that “if you don’t pray, your child is destined to become a shaman,” and that great danger would come to the family, she was made to pay money.

Over about 700 times, she extorted from 3 million to 10 million won per session under the pretext of ‘exorcism’ prayer fees, and continued to demand additional prayer fees by threatening that the sincerity was insufficient.

Several victims who could no longer endure this filed complaints with the police. The intelligence team of Busanjin Police Station started an investigation, confirmed multiple cases of victimization, and promptly arrested A to prevent further damage.

The police stated that if prayer fees and ritual costs exceed the limits of traditional customs and religious acts, fraud charges can be recognized.

A Busan Police Agency official warned, “There is also a Supreme Court precedent from 2016 recognizing fraud charges,” urging caution.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.