Disruptive Behavior at Jogyesa and Bongeunsa Temples on Buddha's Birthday... Hymns Sung in Front of Temples

On the morning of the 19th, the Buddha's Birthday Celebration Ceremony for the year 2565 of the Buddhist calendar is being held at Jogyesa Temple in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] On the 19th, Buddha's Birthday, disturbances occurred at temples in Seoul.

According to the police, around 10 a.m. that day, about ten people gathered in front of the Iljumun Gate of Jogyesa Temple in Jongno-gu, holding placards and singing hymns, causing a disturbance.

At that time, a Buddha Birthday celebration ceremony was underway in the courtyard in front of the Daeungjeon Hall of Jogyesa. A physical altercation briefly broke out between Jogyesa officials and the group. They reportedly stayed there for about five hours until the afternoon, singing hymns before dispersing.

On the same day, at Bongeunsa Temple in Gangnam-gu, a woman caused a disturbance and was arrested by the police. The Seoul Gangnam Police Station announced that at around 3:55 p.m., woman A was arrested on charges of obstructing business for shouting and using abusive language during the Buddha's Birthday event inside the Bongeunsa temple hall.

Ms. A did not disclose her personal information to the police officers who responded to the report and was arrested on the spot. She did not damage property or injure others and was not intoxicated, according to the investigation. The police are currently investigating the exact circumstances and motives behind her actions.