[On-site Video] Jeong Cheong-rae's 'Bong-i Kim Seon-dal' Remark Leads to Final Rebuff... Angered 'National Monk Conference'

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, PD Yoon Jin-geun] "Apologize for Religious Bias and Distortion of Buddhism!"

The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism (Jogyejong) held a nationwide monks' assembly on the afternoon of the 21st at Jogyesa Temple in Jongno-gu, Seoul, attended by over 5,000 monks. They criticized cases of Buddhist distortion under the current government, including Democratic Party lawmaker Jeong Cheong-rae's disparaging remarks about cultural heritage admission fees and the government's support for the Catholic carol campaign.

Wonhaeng Sunim, the head of the Jogyejong Secretariat, said in his address, "In order to fully inherit and develop traditional culture, even the entrance fees to cultural heritage sites recognized under the Cultural Heritage Protection Act are being dismissed as 'toll fees,'" adding, "The government was at the center of this process. Opportunities were unequal, the process was unfair, and the results were unjust," criticizing the Moon Jae-in administration.

On the 21st, monks attending the "National Monk Rally for Eradicating Religious Bias and Distortion of Buddhism and Protecting the Autonomy of Korean Buddhism" held in the front yard of the Daeungjeon Hall at Jogyesa Temple in Jongno-gu, Seoul, are seen with their hands joined in prayer. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

He continued, "Today, the unity of our monastic community is not for the benefit of the Buddhist community alone but to protect traditional culture," and stated, "It is to deliver a stern warning to the divisive forces that promote religious bias and discrimination."

Sunim Seon-gwang, who read the resolution, said, "The traditional cultural heritage of Korean Buddhism, which has shared the nation's history and culture, is losing its luster due to intentional bias and discrimination by state authorities and public institutions," raising his voice to say, "President Moon Jae-in must apologize for the religious bias and distortion of Buddhism!" He also appealed, "The government and ruling party must adopt drastic measures to fully preserve and inherit traditional cultural heritage."

Democratic Party lawmaker Jeong Cheong-rae turned back at the entrance of the event while trying to attend the "National Monk Rally to Eradicate Religious Bias and Buddhist Distortion and to Protect the Autonomy of Korean Buddhism" held on the 21st in the front yard of the Daeungjeon Hall at Jogyesa Temple in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Meanwhile, lawmaker Jeong was scheduled to attend the monks' assembly and make an apology but was effectively turned away without delivering his statement.

Ultimately, Jeong held a press conference at the National Assembly's Press Hall, stating, "Over the past few months, I have taken much time for self-reflection and contemplation," and added, "I have come to recognize the grievances and unfairness felt by the Buddhist community. I sincerely apologize once again."

He continued, "Taking this incident as an opportunity, I will listen with a humbler attitude and strive harder for the mutual development of the public and the Buddhist community," and said, "I will do my best, however small, to improve laws and systems so that the efforts of the Buddhist community and monks to protect precious cultural heritage are not in vain."

Additionally, Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party, had planned to announce an apology during the monks' assembly in agreement with the Jogyejong side but was unable to take the podium due to opposition from some monks. Meeting with reporters, Song said, "As the leader of the ruling party, I deeply apologize for causing wounds and concerns to the Buddhist community and the public by failing to appreciate the 1,700-year history and tradition of Korean Buddhism."

Previously, on October 5 last year, during the National Assembly Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee's audit of the Cultural Heritage Administration, lawmaker Jeong sparked controversy by stating about the collection of cultural heritage admission fees within national parks, "The distance from the ticket booth to Haeinsa Temple is 3.5 km. You have to pay money to visit places in between. You buy a ticket at the ticket booth 3.5 km away, pay a toll, and enter. You have to pay even if you don't enter the temple. It's not like Bongyi Kim Seondal," causing a stir.