Choi Tae-min
South Korean cult leader (1912–1994) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In this Korean name, the family name is Choi.
Choi Tae-min (5 May 1912 – 1 May 1994) was the leader of the Church of Eternal Life, a South Korean cult combining elements of Buddhism, Christianity, and traditional Korean Shamanism.[1] Choi, originally a Buddhist monk, then a convert to Presbyterian pastor, was married six times. He was the mentor of the impeached South Korean president, Park Geun-hye (the daughter of former president Park Chung Hee), until his death in 1994. He allegedly used his relationship with Park to solicit bribes from government officials and businessmen.[2][3] In late 2016, a scandal involving his daughter, Choi Soon-sil, broke out, with allegations that she too has exerted undue influence over President Park.[3][4]
Quick Facts Born, Died ...
Choi Tae-min | |
---|---|
Born | (1912-05-05)5 May 1912 |
Died | 1 May 1994(1994-05-01) (aged 81) |
Education | Chaeryong Potong School |
Spouse | Lim Seon-yi |
Children | Choi Soon-sil |
Relatives | Chung Yoo-ra (granddaughter) |
Korean name | |
Hangul | 최태민 |
Hanja | |
Revised Romanization | Choe Tae-min |
McCune–Reischauer | Ch'oe T'ae-min |
Birth name | |
Hangul | 최도원 |
Hanja | |
Revised Romanization | Choe Do-won |
McCune–Reischauer | Ch'oe To-wŏn |
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