Shaman’s bribery conviction spells trouble for South Korea’s former first lady
South China Morning Post
by Park Chan-kyongFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A high-profile shaman known as "Monk" Gunjin has been convicted of accepting bribes, a ruling that could have significant implications for South Korea’s former first lady Kim Keon-hee. The court in Seoul found Jeon Seong-bae guilty of acting as a middleman between Kim and senior figures at the Unification Church, facilitating luxury gifts, cash, and political requests during her husband’s presidency. This verdict contradicts an earlier ruling that had acquitted Gunjin, potentially undermining Kim’s own appeal against corruption charges tied to her time in office.
The case centers on Gunjin’s role as a spiritual guide and alleged fixer under former president Yoon Suk-yeol. The court found him guilty of influence-peddling, including channeling gifts worth millions of dollars through the back channels of presidential power. Gunjin was sentenced to six years in prison, one year longer than prosecutors had sought. This ruling casts a harsh light on Kim Keon-hee’s legal battle, which has already been a highly charged political case.
The conviction underscores the deepening corruption allegations surrounding South Korea’s political elite and raises questions about the ethical standards within the Unification Church. The court’s decision to classify the luxury gifts as “grease payments” further implicates Kim Keon-hee in a web of influence peddling, potentially derailing her efforts to clear her name. This case highlights broader concerns about corruption and the misuse of power within South Korea’s political system.
For readers interested in global politics, this story sheds light on the challenges of accountability and governance in democratic nations. The outcome of Kim Keon-he
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/25/2026