In South Korea, the investigation of witches has been a subject of both intrigue and controversy. While witchcraft may be seen as a topic more closely associated with Western countries, South Korea has its own history and tradition when it comes to supernatural phenomena. The investigation of witches in South Korea primarily takes place within the realms of folklore and popular culture. One of the most well-known figures in South Korean witchcraft is the "mudang," a female shaman who is believed to possess supernatural powers and the ability to communicate with spirits. The mudang's role in society is to perform rituals and ceremonies to help people connect with the spiritual realm and seek guidance or healing. However, the investigation of witches in South Korea goes beyond the realm of folklore.
However, the investigation of witches in South Korea goes beyond the realm of folklore. In recent years, there have been cases where individuals have been accused of practicing witchcraft and causing harm to others. These cases often involve individuals claiming to have been victims of curses or black magic, and seeking justice through legal means.
Investigation of witches in South Korea
Yang Eui-sook, chief of the Korean Antique Association, is under police investigation for allegedly violating the cultural properties protection law, transferring some 20 artifacts to an Australian art museum in mid-2022 without permission from the Cultural Heritage Administration.
The Daejeon Metropolitan Police Agency confirmed to The Korea Herald Thursday that police raided Yang’s gallery in Seoul last week.
“We raided the gallery to collect documents related to Yang’s sending of antique artifacts abroad. If a violation is found, we will prosecute Yang,” the police official told The Herald. The official declined to discuss how the police was tipped off about the alleged wrongdoing.
Local news outlet Kyunghyang Shinmun reported Thursday that Yang is alleged to have sent some 20 artifacts from the 19th century to the National Gallery of Victoria in Australia without permission from the CHA.
“We require those who wish to send cultural items less than 50 years old overseas to seek a CHA certification that the items are not cultural heritage before sending them. If items older than 50 years are to be sent outside the country, CHA permission is required. Such permissions are granted for special circumstances, such as overseas exhibitions. Otherwise, they are not allowed to be taken out of the country," a CHA administration official told The Herald.
Yang obtained the CHA's permission in 2020 to transfer a moon jar assumed to be from the 18th century to the NGV. Therefore, she must have had knowledge about the mandatory reporting procedure, another CHA official said.
Speaking to The Herald on Thursday, Yang admitted to sending artifacts to the Australian art museum, including male hanbok trousers, claiming that these artifacts were less than 50 years old. She said that the museum had asked for Korean artifacts that are “from a long time ago." What she sent, however, are not from the 19th century, she explained.
“I knew about the reporting requirement, but it would have taken more than a year to get the CHA's approval. I had to ship the objects as soon as possible to the museum. I will release my official statement soon, so please wait until then,” Yang said.
Yang began a three-year term as the head of the association of antique art dealers in 2021.
The investigation of witches in South Korea is often a complex and sensitive matter. It involves a combination of traditional beliefs and modern legal systems, as well as the challenge of distinguishing between genuine spiritual practices and fraudulent schemes. While witchcraft may not be officially recognized as a crime in South Korea, authorities have taken steps to address cases where individuals have been exploited or harmed. In conclusion, the investigation of witches in South Korea is a multifaceted topic that encompasses both traditional folklore and modern legal systems. While the role of witches, such as the mudang, remains an important part of South Korean culture, there are instances where individuals have faced accusations and legal action related to witchcraft. The exploration of this subject highlights the complex intersection of belief, tradition, and justice in South Korean society..
Reviews for "The Witch-Hunts of the Digital Age: Online Accusations in South Korea"
- Jane Doe - 2 stars
I was really excited to read "Investigation of Witches in South Korea" as I am a fan of supernatural thrillers. However, I found this book to be incredibly disappointing. The plot was weak and predictable, and the characters lacked depth. I also found the writing style to be dull and uninspiring. It felt like the author was trying to cram too many elements into the story, resulting in a messy and confusing narrative. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a gripping supernatural mystery.
- John Smith - 3 stars
"Investigation of Witches in South Korea" had an intriguing premise, but it failed to live up to my expectations. The main characters were underdeveloped and I found it difficult to connect with them. The pacing of the story was also inconsistent, with some parts dragging on for too long while others felt rushed. Additionally, there were several plot holes and unanswered questions that left me feeling unsatisfied. While the book did have some interesting aspects, such as the cultural references and setting, it ultimately fell flat for me. I would only recommend this to readers who have a particular interest in Korean folklore.