The association of Korean fortunetellers said Monday that the international conference of world’s fortunetellers will be held on Friday this week. This international event, which held its first meeting in Seoul in 1984, will meet for the 20th time already this year, although, having hosted the conference in 1984, 1988 and 1996, this is the first time in 12 years Korea has hosted the event.

Fortunetellers will present their studies during the conference, and there will be question and answer sessions with citizens in attendance. Back Woon-san, president of Korea’s fortunetellers association, said, “Participants will be able to hear what prophets around the world have to say about the future of Korea and President Lee Myung-bak, as well as the next U.S. president.”

Prophets and fortunetellers from each country hold different areas of interest. Many Asian people are often concerned about issues involving marriage, education and children. On the other hand, Americans tend to take more interest in divorce and drug-related issues. Henry Kim, 74, the president of Korean-American fortunetellers, said, “I see about a 10-percent increase in Americans’ asking the result of the presidential election and how they should invest in times of economic turbulence.”

(englishnews@chosun.com )