Shaman Jeon Seong-bae Faces Intense Interrogation by Prosecutors
On June 12, 2025, shaman Jeon Seong-bae (전성배), known as 'Geonjin Beopsa,' appeared at the Seoul Southern District Court in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, where he underwent a rigorous 10-hour interrogation by prosecutors. The Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office's Joint Investigation Team for Virtual Asset Crimes, led by Chief Park Geon-wook, summoned Jeon around 10 AM and continued questioning until approximately 8:40 PM.
Prosecutors are investigating allegations that Jeon sent text messages related to a request for favors to a contact under the name of Kim (김 여사) in 2022. When the request was not accepted, he reportedly expressed dissatisfaction. Jeon has clarified that he only communicated with representatives of Kim, not Kim herself.
Additionally, prosecutors are looking into suspicions that Jeon received expensive gifts, including a luxury necklace and handbag, from former Unification Church (now known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification) leader Yoon, allegedly to facilitate requests related to church matters. Jeon has maintained that he received these items but later lost them.
As reporters gathered outside the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office, they inquired about how Jeon explained his situation and when his next summons would be. However, Jeon did not respond and left in a vehicle.
This marks Jeon's second appearance before prosecutors since the presidential election, amid increasing discussions among opposition parties about appointing a special prosecutor to investigate Kim Geon-hee (김건희), the wife of President Yoon Suk-yeol (윤석열). The prosecution is also examining the financial sources of individuals associated with the Unification Church. Recently, they summoned church financial officers to verify the origins of funds used for purchasing luxury gifts and have placed church leader Han Hak-ja (한학자) under a travel ban while investigating whether Yoon directed any requests.
