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Article: Shaman in Seoul looks at politics: Sees an `exorcism' in ex-leaders fate.(World)
- Article from:
- The Washington Times (Washington, DC)
- Article date:
- September 10, 1996
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1996 News World Communications, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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SEOUL - Cho Ja-ryong feels far more comfortable dancing barefoot on the sharp edge of a steel sword then he does talking about the fate of South Korea's two jailed former presidents.
Mr. Cho, one of the nation's best known shamans, or fortune tellers, often dons neon-colored costumes and performs his sword dance as part of an ancient ritual to chase away ghosts. He finishes without a scratch.
Shamanism is part of a mystical tradition that dates back thousands of years. The persistence with which South Koreans continue seeking a shaman's help to cure disease, ward off evil spirits or give advice about the future belies the modern, cosmopolitan image ...