Jogye Order Faction Alliance 'Buddhist Plaza' Endorses Ven. Jinwoo as Next Chief Administrator

[Asia Economy Reporter Seomideum] The Buddhist Plaza has unanimously endorsed Venerable Jinwoo, the head of the Jogye Order's Education Institute, as the next candidate for the Chief Executive Monk. The Buddhist Plaza is a policy group composed of major factions such as Hwaeomhoe and Muryanghoe within the Central Council of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.

On the 9th, the Buddhist Plaza issued a statement saying, "After listening to the opinions of senior monks, head monks of district temples, and followers, and conducting thorough verification, we have united in strong support for former Education Institute head Venerable Jinwoo, who has registered as a candidate for the 37th Chief Executive Monk."

They added, "The next Chief Executive Monk carries the heavy responsibility of promoting the stability and harmony of the order by focusing on practice and propagation as their fundamental duties (original role and Buddha nature), resolving the pressing issues facing the order, and contributing to the unity of the people divided by conflict and division, as well as the revival of Buddhism and national development. Venerable Jinwoo is a sincere candidate with verified practice and propagation experience, and a history of sacrifice and dedication for the development of the order."

Venerable Jinwoo served as the head monk of Baekyangsa Temple from 2012 to 2014 and held key positions in the central administrative offices of the order, including Chief of the General Affairs Department, Director of Planning, and Chief of the Legal Affairs Department. He also served as president of the Buddhist Newspaper and was appointed head of the Education Institute in 2019.

The election for the 37th Chief Executive Monk of the Jogye Order is scheduled for the 1st of next month. Candidate registration is open until the 11th. The election is an indirect vote with 321 electors: 240 members elected from 24 districts (10 from each district) and 81 members of the Central Council. A candidate must receive a majority of valid votes from the 321 electors to be elected. The inauguration date is the 28th of next month.