A South Korean couple, both practicing in the traditional shamanistic faith of musok, are facing deepening financial and marital strife, revealed on the JTBC program “Divorce Counseling Camp” on Thursday. The husband alleges his wife’s repeated business failures and mounting debts have led to the depletion of funds earmarked for their children’s university tuition, a claim that has intensified tensions within the family.
The husband, whose name has not been publicly released, has reportedly provided substantial financial support to his wife, covering not only her business ventures but likewise the debts of her parents, according to program segments broadcast today. However, the wife reportedly dismisses his assistance, accusing him of “showing off” when he resolves her financial obligations, a dynamic that has fueled resentment and distrust.
The situation escalated when the husband discovered that money specifically saved for his children’s higher education had been diverted to cover his wife’s outstanding debts. “Repeated business debts could ultimately lead to the misfortune of the entire family,” commented counselor Seo Jang-hoon during the broadcast, highlighting the potential for long-term damage to the family unit.
Beyond the financial strain, the couple is also at odds over the wife’s potential participation in a naerim gut, a ritual believed to initiate a person into the role of a full-fledged shaman. After consulting with another musok practitioner, they received advice against the ritual, a recommendation that has left the husband confused and frustrated, while the wife expressed a desire to focus more intently on her business.
The conflict reached a boiling point during a counseling session, where the husband reportedly threw a microphone in a display of anger. Counselor Lee Ho-seon advised the wife to express gratitude to her husband for his years of dedication to the family, but she responded by stating she finds it demanding to trust his sincerity.
Further complicating matters, the wife has voiced complaints about her husband’s perceived favoritism towards his own family. The couple’s issues came to light during a pre-recorded segment of the program, during which the husband abruptly halted filming, prompting speculation about the underlying reasons for his actions. The program is currently airing its 19th season and this couple represents the final case being examined.
