Shocker: Inventor of DIY Holy Water Device Charged With Fraud

Discoblog
By Joseph Calamia
Jul 1, 2010 7:43 PMNov 5, 2019 9:00 AM

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

You use a Brita filter to take metal out of your water. But what if you want to stir in divine powers? In that case, one South Korean man said, you run tap water through his special ceramic and paper filters. He now faces fraud charges. As the BBC reports, the man, identified as "Professor Kim," claimed he could replicate the holy water from a Virgin Mary shrine in Lourdes, France, known for its supposed healing powers. The BBC article quotes the JoongAng Ilbo newspaper detailing Kim's "scientific" methods:

"Professor Kim says if the medical properties are changed into digital signals, and radiated onto any water, the water will adapt those properties."

What the "professor" taught, we do not know. Digital signals? Radiation? Sure sounds like magic science.... Whatever he was selling, people sure were buying it. Apparently he made 1.7 billion South Korean won, the equivalent of $1.3 million dollars, and sold customized filter systems for different ailments to a total of 5,000 people. Check out DISCOVER on Facebook. Related content: Discoblog: A Bishop Calls for Holy Water Ban to Stop Swine Flu Spread Discoblog: Copernicus Gets a New Grave, Belated Respect From the Catholic Church Discoblog: Religion: A Tool to Keep the Parasites Away? Discoblog: No Time to Pray? No Problem! Your Computer Can Do It For You

Image: flickr / missfitzphotos

1 free article left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

1 free articleSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

More From Discover
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2025 LabX Media Group