Buying a 'New York Apartment' This Time?…Hye-min Sunim "Deeply Reflecting, I Will Live a Modest Life"

After Earlier Controversy Over Building Owner, Apology Issued with Promise to "Step Down from All Activities"

On the afternoon of the 15th of last month, Hye-min Sunim announced through social networking services (SNS) that "from today onwards, I will step down from all activities and return to the public Seonwon to study the Buddha's teachings again and diligently practice prayer and meditation." / Photo by Asia Economy DB

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] On the 3rd, Venerable Hyemin, who has been embroiled in controversy over suspicions of purchasing an apartment in New York following his so-called 'Namsan Tower view' Seoul downtown residence, expressed his position with the intention of "deeply reflecting."

According to 'Yonhap News' on the same day, Venerable Hyemin stated, "I deeply reflect on my life" and "I will strive to live a humble life."

Regarding why he did not immediately respond the day before (the 2nd), when suspicions arose about purchasing and owning an apartment in Brooklyn, New York City, he explained, "I was too ashamed and embarrassed about my life" and "Honestly, I was a bit scared, so I couldn't reply right away."

However, it was reported that he did not give a clear answer as to whether he actually purchased and owns the apartment in question.

Earlier, on the 2nd, Yonhap News reported that Venerable Hyemin was suspected of purchasing real estate after becoming a monk. On that day, the media analyzed the real estate registration history of a person named Ryan Bongseok Joo and found that Mr. Joo, along with a foreigner named A, purchased a condominium apartment in Brooklyn, New York, in May 2011 for about $610,000 (approximately 667 million KRW).

Ryan Bongseok Joo is known as Venerable Hyemin's American name, who holds U.S. citizenship. His secular name before ordination was Joo Bongseok. Notably, the corporate registry of 'Maumsueop Co., Ltd.,' where Venerable Hyemin is the representative, reportedly lists the CEO's name as 'United States citizen Joo Bongseok.' In other words, there is a possibility that Ryan Bongseok Joo, who owns the New York apartment, and Venerable Hyemin are the same person.

Meanwhile, Venerable Hyemin recently revealed a detached house in downtown Seoul with a view of Namsan Tower on a broadcast, which sparked controversy over being a 'building owner.'

In response, American monk Hyungak, known as the author of the book 'Manhaeng - From Harvard to Accountant,' strongly criticized Venerable Hyemin on social networking services (SNS) on the 15th of last month, saying, "Don't be fooled, (Venerable Hyemin) is just a celebrity," and "He is nothing but a thief who knows nothing of the teachings of Shakyamuni."

As the controversy grew, Venerable Hyemin stated on the same day, "I repent to all those who were hurt and disappointed by this incident," and "From today, I will step down from all activities and return to the public meditation center to study the Buddha's teachings again and devote myself to practice and prayer."