Choi Tae-min (5 May 1912 – 1 May 1994) was the leader of a South Korean cult combining elements of Buddhism, Christianity, and traditional Korean Shamanism. 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. 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.
Born |
5 May 1912 So-dong, Sariwon, Hwanghae
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Died |
1 May 1994 (aged 81) Yeoksam-dong, Seoul, South Korea
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Zodiac | Taurus |
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