Former Fashion Model Bang Eun-mi Becomes a Shaman for Her Son, Recounts '3 Years of Tears'

Bang Eun-mi, who shone brightly as a top fashion model in the 1990s, has revealed the heartbreaking story of becoming a shaman to protect her son.

MBN's 'Special Report' shed light on Bang Eun-mi's current situation as an actress and shaman. After debuting as a model in 1992, she abruptly retired four years later. She recalled facing a severe health crisis, experiencing paralysis in the left side of her face, shoulder, and arm, which did not improve with various treatments.

Upon visiting a shaman, she received the diagnosis of 'shinbyeong' (a shamanic illness). Bang Eun-mi confessed, "They told me that if I didn't accept it, an irreversible situation would occur, potentially even something terrible happening to my child." Driven by the desire to protect her son, she decided to undergo the ritual.

She underwent the difficult process of receiving a divine calling while her son was just a toddler. "The three years I was separated from my child were the hardest. What parent would want to be away from their child? It was like cutting flesh with a knife," she said, her eyes welling up.

With the help of her mother, she raised her son and eventually sent him to study abroad in Canada. "I was afraid my son's friendships would be affected because his mother is a shaman," she shared, expressing her regret for not being able to be there for him when he left for Canada in the fifth grade.

Now 23, her son has graduated from university in Canada and recently returned home. He shared, "There were many times I wanted to come back early because I missed my family. But knowing how hard my mother worked, I wanted to be a proud son," adding to the poignant story.

Bang Eun-mi concluded, "I wanted to prevent my son from inheriting the pain of shinbyeong." Despite living as a shaman for 21 years, she expressed that her feelings of guilt towards her son remain profound.

Bang Eun-mi was a prominent fashion model in the 1990s, known for her glamorous career in the entertainment industry. Her path took a significant turn due to a sudden health deterioration, leading her to embrace shamanism. For the past 21 years, she has been active as a shaman, offering comfort and healing to many.