Witchcraft persecution in South Korea has been a recurring issue throughout history, with numerous cases of individuals being accused, ostracized, and even killed due to their alleged practice of witchcraft. One of the key reasons behind the persecution is the deep-rooted belief in traditional shamanism and superstition in Korean society, which often leads to superstitions and fears about witches and their ability to bring harm. Historically, witchcraft trials and executions were common during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897), where the government actively sought to suppress any form of superstition and practices related to witchcraft. Individuals, especially women, were often accused of witchcraft based on rumors, jealousy, or personal grudges, and the outcomes of such trials were rarely fair or just. Often, confessions were extracted through torture, further highlighting the flawed nature of the justice system during that time. The persecution of witches continued into the modern era, although it took on a different form.
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In 2016 21 years after the Sampoong collapse a survey on 40 firefighters at the rescue scene showed that all of them worried about the possibility of a major accident. The secular authorities were involved in the process from the outset, but they soon took matters into their own hands and were quick to prosecute people for crimes of witchcraft.
The persecution of witches continued into the modern era, although it took on a different form. With the rise of Christianity and the influx of Western ideas, traditional shamanism was stigmatized, and witchcraft was seen as a form of heresy. The Korean War (1950-1953) and the subsequent influence of Western culture further intensified the negative perception of witchcraft and supernatural beliefs.
Uncovering myths and truths behind Swiss witchcraft trials
Already available online, the witchcraft trials conducted in the Swiss city of Fribourg have now been published in two volumes. These documents challenge a number of preconceived ideas.
This content was published on October 20, 2023 - 11:00 October 20, 2023 - 11:00 Olivier PauchardSpecialist in federal politics. Earlier worked at the Swiss national news agency and at Radio Fribourg.
Other languages: 2
- Deutsch (de) Das wahre Gesicht der Hexen (und Hexer)
- Français (fr) Le vrai visage des sorcières (et sorciers) (original)
Two employees of the Fribourg State Archives, Lionel Dorthe and Rita Binz-Wohlhauser, spent six years studying the various registers and documents relating to 360 witchcraft trials conducted between 1493 and 1741 by the court of the city of Fribourg. Available online External link since last year, these archives have recently been published in two volumes by The Law Sources Foundation of the Swiss Lawyers Society External link .
The value of these documents goes beyond the strictly local context.
“Usually, research is limited to a specific period or event," says Dorthe. Having all the documented witch trials for such a long period is a first, and can serve as a point of comparison for other regions of the world.”
Today, witchcraft persecution in South Korea still persists, albeit on a smaller scale. Modern witches, known as "Jungsis," are often targeted and face discrimination in various aspects of their lives, such as employment, education, and housing. The fear and misunderstanding surrounding witchcraft continue to contribute to the marginalization and isolation of individuals who identify as witches. Efforts are being made by some organizations and activists to combat the persecution of witches and promote understanding and acceptance of diverse beliefs and practices. Education and raising awareness about witchcraft, its history, and the discrimination faced by individuals who identify as witches are crucial steps towards achieving tolerance and respect for all. In conclusion, witchcraft persecution in South Korea has a long history and continues to be a significant issue today. The deeply ingrained superstitions, fear, and misunderstanding surrounding witchcraft contribute to the discrimination and marginalization of individuals who are accused of practicing witchcraft. However, steps are being taken to combat this persecution and promote understanding and acceptance of diverse beliefs and practices..
Reviews for "Witchcraft, Gender, and Power in South Korea"
1. Jane Doe - 1 star
I found "Witchcraft persecution in South Korea" to be an incredibly biased and poorly researched book. The author clearly had an agenda and failed to provide a balanced perspective on the subject. The book relied heavily on anecdotal evidence and failed to present any credible sources or data to support its claims. Additionally, the writing style was dry and monotonous, making it difficult to stay engaged with the material. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and do not recommend it to others.
2. John Smith - 2 stars
While "Witchcraft persecution in South Korea" had an intriguing premise, I felt that the execution fell short. The author presented some interesting stories and accounts of witchcraft persecution in South Korea, but failed to provide any substantial analysis or insights. The book lacked depth and failed to delve into the underlying social and cultural factors that contribute to witchcraft persecution. In addition, the writing style was confusing at times, making it difficult to follow the narrative. Overall, I found this book to be a missed opportunity and not worth the read.
3. Sarah Thompson - 1 star
I cannot recommend "Witchcraft persecution in South Korea" to anyone. The author's arguments were weak and lacked any compelling evidence. The book seemed to rely heavily on sensationalism and exaggeration to make its points, which only served to further undermine its credibility. It was clear to me that the author had a preconceived notion about witchcraft persecution in South Korea and cherry-picked information to support their biased perspective. Additionally, the writing style was convoluted and difficult to follow, making it a frustrating reading experience overall. Save your time and skip this book.