A mysterious incident during a shaman ritual on Gadeokdo Island has left two people dead, sparking a complex police investigation. The event unfolded during a Cheondojae, a ritual meant to guide deceased souls to a better place in their next life, conducted by three shamans in a shrine on the island.
The ritual began around 10 AM, involving Shaman A, a drummer named B, and another shaman (C, a woman in her 40s). Despite her usual role in fortune-telling, C was leading this ritual with assistance from Shaman A and in the presence of ten observers.
As the ritual, which can last several hours, stretched into the late afternoon, shaman C abruptly left the shrine, stating she could not continue. This happened around 5 PM. After leaving, C made her way to a nearby reservoir, followed by her two colleagues.
C was found standing in knee-deep water, warning them not to approach. However, as A and B attempted to persuade her to return, she suddenly unexpectedly staggered into deeper water. In a bid to save her, A and B entered the reservoir but tragically drowned. C managed to escape the water on her own.
According to reports, the reservoir is deceptively shallow at the entrance but becomes much deeper just a few steps in. The observers, who remained inside the shrine, reported no conflicts or disturbances prior to C’s sudden departure.
The only witness of the incident left alive, shaman C, has proved unable to explain her actions. She told the police she felt an inexplicable urge to enter the water but had no other motives.
The police have started an official investigation. However, it is proving to be very challenging given the lack of CCTV footage and C’s unexplainable actions. Meanwhle, an autopsy on the two victims is being considered to clarify the circumstances surrounding the drownings.
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