Abbot Beomgye of Haeinsa Temple Accused of Corruption... Jogye Order "Deep Regret, Resignation Deferred and Investigation Underway"

Seonim Hyeonung

[Asia Economy Reporter Seomideum] The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism has expressed regret regarding the allegations of misconduct (범계, violation of precepts) against Hyeoneung, the head monk of Haeinsa Temple.

On the 18th, the Jogye Order stated in a press release, "We express our deep regret to the public and the Buddhist community regarding the unfortunate controversy involving the 12th district head temple, Haeinsa, and its head monk Hyeoneung's alleged misconduct."

According to the Jogye Order, Hyeoneung, who has been embroiled in the misconduct controversy, submitted his resignation on January 12. However, considering that the Legal Affairs Department's investigation is ongoing, the resignation has been put on hold.

Previously, Hyeoneung was accused of sexually harassing a woman during his tenure as director of the General Affairs Office's Education Center. At the time, he denied the allegations, but recently, additional accusations surfaced claiming he played golf wearing civilian clothes instead of monastic robes.

Furthermore, the Jogye Order plans to convene the Central Disciplinary Committee to handle the disciplinary actions against the administrative monks involved in the physical altercation during the next head monk election process. On the 16th, during the Haein General Assembly held at Haeinsa for the election of the next head monk, a physical clash occurred among officials, resulting in one person being transported to the hospital.

The Jogye Order stated, "We will take strict measures according to the order's laws and procedures," and added, "The General Secretary, who holds the authority over personnel matters, will proceed with matters related to the successor head monk in accordance with the order's constitution and regulations after these procedures."