Actor Jung Ho-geun Reveals Family History & Struggles as Shaman
Actor-turned-spiritualist Jung Ho-geun, with 12 years of experience as a mudang (Korean shaman), recently shared details of his personal history. The revelations came during a February 5th broadcast of MBN’s “Special Report,” where Jung Ho-geun discussed his transition from a supporting actor, debuting in 1984, to a life guided by spiritual calling.
A Journey into the Spiritual Realm
Currently living alone in his shin-dang (shaman shrine) for the past decade, Jung Ho-geun recounted the circumstances that led him to abandon his acting career and embrace the path of a shaman. He described experiencing unexplained physical ailments, with doctors unable to find any medical cause. He also began to hear constant buzzing sounds, which he described as “like the sound of bees flying,” causing him significant distress.
Family History and a Reluctant Calling
Jung Ho-geun revealed a family history steeped in shamanism, noting that his maternal grandmother was also a mudang. He explained that the spiritual “misfortune” had manifested in his family through his sister, then his younger sister, and finally himself. He stated, “If there is even one person with the spirit’s misfortune, the house becomes a place of magic, but we had three people.” he underwent a gut (exorcism ritual) out of concern that his resistance would bring greater hardship to his family.
Loss and Regret
The family tragedies continued, as Jung Ho-geun’s younger sister passed away last year after a ten-year battle with illness. Visiting his sister’s ossuary, he expressed deep regret, stating he wished he could have been stronger and helped her cling to life more fiercely, feeling responsible for her fate.
Family Distance and Personal Sacrifice
Jung Ho-geun also shared details about his personal life, revealing he has been separated from his wife for 20 years, having met through a matchmaking service. They have children together, whom he sent to live in the United States. He has experienced the loss of two children: a daughter who suffered from pulmonary hypertension and a son who died three days after birth.
He explained that he sacrificed time with his children, fearing his profession as a shaman would be a burden to them. He admitted he felt unable to openly embrace his role, fearing judgment from others and keeping it hidden within the family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jung Ho-geun become a shaman?
Jung Ho-geun became a shaman due to experiencing physical and auditory symptoms, including unexplained pain and constant buzzing sounds, and a family history of shamanism.
What happened to Jung Ho-geun’s sister?
Jung Ho-geun’s younger sister passed away last year after a ten-year battle with an unspecified illness.
Where are Jung Ho-geun’s children currently living?
Jung Ho-geun’s children are currently living in the United States.
Given the profound personal sacrifices Jung Ho-geun has made, how do cultural expectations and personal fulfillment often intersect in shaping an individual’s life path?