Famous Monks from Haenam Temples in Jeonnam Hold Midnight Drinking Party... Photo Shooting Reported

Haenam-gun Plans Administrative Actions Including Fines After Fact Verification

A report was received by Haenam County that eight monks were eating and drinking alcohol at the lodging facility of a temple in Haenam County. (Photo by Reader)

[Haenam＝Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Hyun] Amid the serious situation where daily COVID-19 cases nationwide are exceeding around 1,000, it has been revealed that monks at a famous temple in Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do held a drinking party, sparking controversy.

According to Haenam-gun on the 21st, a report was received that around 10 monks were eating and drinking at a lodging facility owned by a temple in Haenam-gun at around 8 p.m. on the 19th.

That day was the first day of an administrative order prohibiting private gatherings of five or more people under Level 2 assembly ban to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

However, photos taken by a witness showed eight men wearing monk robes sitting around a table drinking alcohol.

Among those sitting at the table, not a single person was wearing a mask. Those captured in the photos were confirmed to be civilians and monks affiliated with the temple.

Regarding this, the lodging facility operator reportedly stated, "Each person sat separately and ordered delivery food," showing an attitude that it was not a violation of quarantine rules.

A Haenam-gun official said, "We plan to conduct an on-site investigation based on the report to verify the facts and take administrative measures such as fines."

Haenam＝Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Hyun kh0424@asiae.co.kr