A South Korean cult accused of gaining control of the South Korean government
Religion: Syncretist (combination of Christianity and Korean shamanism)
Founder: Choi Tae-min
Founded: 1970s
Location: South Korea
Other Names: Yeongsegyo (Spiritual Life Church), Salvation Sect
The Church of Eternal Life, led by Choi Tae-min and later associated with his daughter Choi Soon-sil, represents a unique chapter in South Korea’s religious and political history. This cult combined elements of Buddhism, Christianity, and traditional Korean Shamanism, with Choi Tae-min initially presenting himself as a spiritual mentor to Park Geun-hye, the former president of South Korea and daughter of the former president Park Chung Hee, after the assassination of her mother in 1974. Choi Tae-min, a figure often compared to Rasputin due to his significant influence, purportedly used his position to solicit bribes from government officials and businessmen, leveraging his close relationship with the Park family to gain financial benefits and political power.
Choi Tae-min was born on May 5, 1912, and died on May 1, 1994. Before founding the Church of Eternal Life, he had various roles, including a Buddhist monk and a Presbyterian pastor. The cult’s practices and beliefs were a syncretism of different religious traditions, reflecting Choi’s diverse religious background. He utilized numerous aliases throughout his life, indicating a complex and perhaps deliberately obscured identity.
The Church of Eternal Life gained notoriety not only for its religious practices but also for its entanglement in a significant political scandal involving Choi Soon-sil, Choi Tae-min’s daughter. Choi Soon-sil wielded considerable influence over Park Geun-hye, leading to allegations of corruption, influence peddling, and the manipulation of state affairs. The scandal escalated in 2016, culminating in Park’s impeachment and the conviction of Choi Soon-sil on various charges, including abuse of power and bribery.
Choi Soon-sil’s activities extended beyond the religious sphere into business, where she managed real estate and operated kindergartens, among other ventures. Her involvement in a political scandal that rocked South Korea led to widespread public outcry, investigations, and legal battles. This scandal highlighted the deep and problematic ties between politics and religious cults in South Korea, illustrating the potential for abuse when such relationships go unchecked.
image via The Korea Herald
