Quick access to main page (top) Direct access to main contents Quick access to main page (bottom)

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s Alleged Unofficial Advisor, Shaman Geonjin, Arrested by Prosecutors

Michelle Kang Views  

South Korean Presdient Yoon Suk Yeol / News1

Jeon Seong Bae, a shaman who has been linked to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, was arrested by prosecutors this week on charges of violating the Political Funds Act. Jeon, known by the moniker Shaman Geonjin, is accused of illegal financial dealings involving political contributions.

Jeon’s ties to the president and first lady have raised eyebrows in South Korea. Reports suggest that he had a close personal relationship with Yoon and Kim, leading to accusations of influence-peddling.

In 2018, Jeon was allegedly involved in a political funding scandal, accused of receiving over 100 million won (approximately $69,530) in illegal contributions from a mayoral candidate in Yeongcheon, a city in Gyeongbuk, during the local elections.

The arrest comes amid a broader investigation into the so-called Yonsama Coin, a fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme allegedly connected to South Korean actor Bae Yong Joon. Prosecutors say they detected suspicious financial transactions while probing the scam and uncovered evidence linking Jeon to the illegal activity.

In addition to his arrest, investigators executed simultaneous searches of Jeon’s home in Seocho-gu, Seoul, his temple in Gangnam, and his mobile phone. Prosecutors have stated that further investigation will determine whether an arrest warrant will be sought.

Jeon, who had previously gained attention in South Korea for his public appearances alongside the president, became controversial in January 2022. During a campaign event, a video showed him tapping Yoon’s arm and shoulder. At the time, Jeon was reportedly active in the Network Headquarters, a team supporting Yoon’s election campaign.

YouTube capture

The situation surrounding Jeon has sparked concerns over possible influence-peddling involving the presidential couple. Reports indicate that Jeon received a business card from Kim Keon Hee’s company, Kobana Contents, which has led to speculation that he may have influenced appointments and schedules within the presidential administration. This has fueled accusations of shamanistic unofficial influence over political affairs.

Jeon has denied the allegations, claiming that since the mayoral candidate did not win, some of the funds were returned, and there was no wrongdoing. Prosecutors, however, emphasized that the investigation into Jeon’s financial dealings began after suspicious transactions were detected in August and September. They also clarified that the case is unrelated to Yoon’s ongoing impeachment matter.

Michelle Kang
michellekang@insightmsn.com

Comments0

300

Comments0

[Politics] Latest Stories

  • Presidential Security Service Accompanies South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol into Detention Center for Protection
  • Breaking News: South Korea Set to Execute Arrest Warrant for President Yoon
  • Civil War Concerns? President Yoon’s Lawyers Speak Out on Arrest and Martial Law
  • South Korea’s Constitutional Crisis: Arrest Warrant Issued for Sitting President Yoon Suk Yeol
  • South Korean President Yoon Under Fire with Arrest Warrant
  • South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol's Legal Team Prepares for Impeachment Trial

[Politics] Just In

  • President Yoon Defies Corruption Investigation Office Summons, Attends Christmas Service at Residence
  • Did the First Lady Kim Keon Hee Leave a Beauty Clinic Just Before Martial Law?
  • [Breaking] President Yoon Defends Martial Law in National Address
  • President Yoon Suk Yeol Begins Preparing for Investigation Into Emergency Martial Law Declaration
  • Air Force One Takes Off Mysteriously from Seoul: What We Know So Far
  • Military Police Drop Magazine and Lose Handcuffs During Tensions in South Korea's National Assembly

[Politics] Popular Now

  • Presidential Security Service Accompanies South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol into Detention Center for Protection
  • Breaking News: South Korea Set to Execute Arrest Warrant for President Yoon
  • Civil War Concerns? President Yoon’s Lawyers Speak Out on Arrest and Martial Law
  • South Korea’s Constitutional Crisis: Arrest Warrant Issued for Sitting President Yoon Suk Yeol
  • South Korean President Yoon Under Fire with Arrest Warrant
  • South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol's Legal Team Prepares for Impeachment Trial

[Politics] Must-Reads

  • President Yoon Defies Corruption Investigation Office Summons, Attends Christmas Service at Residence
  • Did the First Lady Kim Keon Hee Leave a Beauty Clinic Just Before Martial Law?
  • [Breaking] President Yoon Defends Martial Law in National Address
  • President Yoon Suk Yeol Begins Preparing for Investigation Into Emergency Martial Law Declaration
  • Air Force One Takes Off Mysteriously from Seoul: What We Know So Far
  • Military Police Drop Magazine and Lose Handcuffs During Tensions in South Korea's National Assembly

Share it on...