The Hidden Struggles of a Korean Shaman: Why Beliefs Can Be a Burden – Watch KBS Joy Tonight!

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Lee Soo-geun, who is married to Park Ji-yeon, said he sympathized with the caller’s story as the son of a shaman.

On the 16th at 8 p.m., KBS Joy’s Ask Anything will air its 356th episode, featuring a veteran shaman who has practiced for 40 years and continues Korea’s shamanic traditions.

The caller, a long-practicing shaman, said he often struggles with people’s blind faith and prejudice. He shared real-life anecdotes and admitted, “I feel burdened when people ask about even the smallest decisions.”

“In daily life, choices are often personal or simply repeated coincidences,” he said, “but people’s excessive faith—even about trivial matters—puts a lot of pressure on me.” He added that, like anyone else, he wants downtime, yet people keep seeking answers from him.

Hearing this, Lee Soo-geun recalled, “When I was young I didn’t ask my mother how she was; I would ask, ‘Mom, how will my year go?’ Even the children of shamans ask their mothers that.” He added, “I see shamans as a type of counselor — a counseling practice rooted in tradition.”

Responding to the caller, Seo Jang-hoon advised a clear separation between professional duties and private life. He suggested limiting consultations to the shrine and telling people in advance not to ask such questions outside those hours. If people persist, he said, putting distance between oneself and those individuals is a reasonable option.

The episode will also tackle common questions about shamanic customs: why people sprinkle salt, the practice of not going straight home after attending a funeral, the superstition about stepping on a threshold, and other traditional beliefs and rituals that remain in the culture.

Tae Yuna, TenAsia reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr