The trajectory of a K-pop idol’s career is often predictable- transitioning into acting, variety shows, or music production.
However, the story of Park Seo-hwi, a former member of the girl group LPG (LPG Center), has taken a turn so extraordinary that it has captured the attention of the entire nation.
In early April 2026, the public was introduced to a new chapter of her life: her transition from a prestigious broadcaster and athlete to a practicing shaman.
This evolution, marked by physical suffering and a desperate desire to protect her family, highlights a deeply personal journey into the heart of traditional Korean spirituality.
The Weight of the Divine Calling: A Physical and Spiritual Crisis
Park Seo-hwi’s transition was not a choice made out of whim, but a survival mechanism against what is known in Korean culture as Shinbyeong- a “spiritual illness” that often precedes a shamanic calling.
Before her initiation, Seo-hwi experienced a period of intense physical decline that medical science could not explain.
She reportedly lost over 10 kilograms in a short span, suffered from debilitating insomnia, and developed severe red hives across her body.
During her feature on the MBN program Exclusive World, Seo-hwi recalled the agony of that period with striking clarity. She shared,
“I couldn’t sleep, and it felt like my entire body had been beaten. I even received steroid injections for the rashes, but there was no improvement.”
This physical toll was accompanied by psychological terror in the form of prophetic, recurring dreams.
“I kept dreaming that my family members were dying,” she confessed through tears.
“I woke up crying because it was so vivid. I realized that if I didn’t accept the spirits, those dreams could become a reality.”
For a woman who had achieved so much in the secular world- graduating from Korea University’s Division of International Studies and succeeding as a sports announcer for Arirang TV- the decision to abandon her career was agonizing.
She admitted her lingering attachment to her former life, stating,
“I think I loved broadcasting too much. Rather than regret, I just want to return to my old life.”
Yet, the fear of losing those she loved most left her with only one path forward.
A Father’s Heartbreak and the Acceptance of Destiny
The most poignant aspect of Seo-hwi’s story is the emotional bridge between her and her father, Park Dong-cheol.
Having raised his daughter with every possible advantage, seeing her go from a “Korea University Ulzzang” to a girl group member, and then to a respected announcer, her father was understandably devastated by her new vocation.
In a culture where shamans (mudang) have historically been marginalized, his grief was both for her lost career and the “pitiful” life he feared she would lead.
During her Naerimgut (shamanic initiation ritual) held at the foot of Bukhansan Mountain in March 2026, her father’s reaction was captured in a moment of raw vulnerability.
Watching his daughter pray in her ritual robes, he choked back sobs, muttering,
“She’s so pitiful… so fragile. We raised her so she would have nothing to envy, but this road is so difficult.”
Despite his heartbreak, his love for his daughter remained the priority. He eventually joined her in prayer, signaling a painful but profound acceptance of her new reality.
As of late April 2026, Park Seo-hwi now operates her own shrine in the Seocho-dong district of Seoul.
She has begun to find a sense of peace, even while acknowledging the difficulty of her path. In a heartfelt letter to her parents, she wrote,
“I hope they won’t worry. I believe this path is heaven’s will. I just want them to stay healthy.”
Her father’s response was equally touching, as he promised,
“I’ll keep your letter and think of you without tears.”
Park Seo-hwi’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the hidden burdens individuals carry behind a polished public image.
Her transformation from an idol center to a spiritual medium is not just a sensational headline, but a testament to a daughter’s ultimate sacrifice for her family’s safety.
While she may no longer stand under the bright lights of a television studio, she has found a different kind of light- one she believes will guide and protect the people she holds most dear.
