4 indicted over fatal ‘healing institute' assault in Taipei

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Four people were indicted in connection with the fatal assault of a man at a self-described healing institute in Taipei.

Prosecutors said the group, which presents itself as a self-awareness and collective-practice academy, subjected members to strict rules and physical punishment under the guise of spiritual guidance. Those charged include the institute’s person in charge, Wang Yu-chieh (王禹婕), her brother Wang Shao-cheng (王劭丞), and two others.

The 30-year-old victim, surnamed Lin (林), joined the program five years ago, prosecutors said. He and another detained suspect were among the institute’s lowest-ranking “healing consultants.”

Starting in May last year, Lin and the four indicted individuals lived together on the first and second floors of the institute, where his daily movements, meals, and bathroom use were closely monitored. Access to other floors required permission.

Tensions escalated after Lin booked a Mid-Autumn Festival mooncake tasting in the institute’s name without authorization. Between Sept. 26-29, prosecutors said Wang either assaulted Lin herself or instructed others to do so, striking him with hands and sticks.

The victim was left unconscious. Authorities said the group did not seek immediate medical help, instead recording videos of him, claiming he was undergoing a “personal breakthrough.”

Lin was taken to Tri-Service General Hospital on Sept. 29 after showing no signs of life and was later pronounced dead. An autopsy found multiple bruises on his face and waist and described him as severely emaciated.

Investigators said Wang had previously claimed Lin owed large but unspecified consulting and membership fees, including a NT$200,000 (US$6,350) gold-tier membership fee. Wang cited spiritual reasons such as “chakra purification” and “eliminating karmic debt” to justify physical punishment.

The Taipei District Prosecutors Office said Thursday it has concluded its investigation and transferred the case for trial.

Personal-growth programs like the one linked to this case, formally called large-group awareness trainings, or LGATs, have gained popularity in Taiwan. However, they stirred public controversy last year following an investigative YouTube video.

Supporters say they can foster self-awareness and short-term emotional breakthroughs. Critics, including psychologists and former participants, have raised concerns about emotional distress, heightened suggestibility, and pressure to conform, particularly during prolonged sessions, according to Grokipedia.

A YouTube investigative report by Ceylan, who spent two months researching similar programs, describes a common three-stage structure in Taiwan: an initial phase involving emotionally intense exercises, followed by advanced sessions with increased psychological pressure, and a final stage that emphasizes recruitment and additional fees.