Jogye Order to Hold Large-Scale Monk Assembly Tomorrow... Controversy Over Violation of Quarantine Guidelines

Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] The Jogye Order has decided to proceed with a large-scale monk rally on the 21st to urge the government to eradicate religious bias.

On the 20th, the Jogye Order stated, "Religious bias acts in the public sector, which have deepened under the current government, have reached a level so severe that monks and Buddhists can no longer overlook them," adding, "With the attitude of Pasahyeonjeong (破邪顯正) to eradicate religious bias, we intend to hold a nationwide monk rally with the consent and approval of monks and Buddhist laypeople across the country."

The "Nationwide Monk Rally to Eradicate Religious Bias and Buddhist Distortion and to Protect the Autonomy of Korean Buddhism" will be held at 2 p.m. on the 21st at Jogyesa Temple in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The rally will begin simultaneously with bell ringing at temples nationwide.

Wonhaeng Sunim, the Chief Executive of the Jogye Order, will deliver the opening address to explain the purpose of the event, and Semin Sunim, chairman of the Order’s Elders’ Council, is scheduled to read the teachings of the Supreme Patriarch Jinje Sunim. During the rally, a video presenting cases that the Jogye Order claims as religious bias and Buddhist distortion by the current government will be screened, and participants will read letters to the public and resolutions.

There have been various criticisms inside and outside the Jogye Order regarding this monk rally held amid the COVID-19 pandemic. According to current quarantine guidelines, even if participants in religious events are composed only of those who have completed COVID-19 vaccination, the number cannot exceed 299.

The Jogye Order stated, "The monk rally is a regular religious activity," and added, "All participating monks and essential staff will be fully vaccinated, and the event will be conducted in compliance with COVID-19 religious facility quarantine guidelines, including temperature checks, mandatory mask-wearing, and social distancing."