Sex Scandals and Overseas Golf Trips... The Deviations of Monks

Haeinsa Temple Head Monk Hyuneung's 'Sex Scandal' Allegations
Monks Playing Golf in Thailand During 'Dongangeo' Period
Jogye Order Launches Direct Investigation as Situation Escalates

Amid ongoing scandals related to Haeinsa Temple in Hapcheon, Gyeongnam, it has been confirmed that two monks played golf in Thailand during the winter retreat period when they are supposed to refrain from going outside. In addition to the recent sexual misconduct scandal involving the head monk of Haeinsa, there have also been physical fights among monks, fueling continuous controversy.

According to Haeinsa on the 19th, two monks affiliated with the temple went on a golf trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand, in December last year. Monks are required to observe 'Dongangeo,' a winter retreat period from the 15th day of the 10th lunar month to the 15th day of the 1st lunar month of the following year, during which they must refrain from going outside and focus on their practice.

However, high-ranking monks of major temples did not adhere to these regulations. One of the monks under scrutiny was a former head monk, and the other was the practice secretary to the highest leader of Haeinsa, the Bangjang. It is known that they were criticized two years ago for playing golf during the summer retreat period as well.

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Haeinsa has recently been plagued by disturbances. On the afternoon of the 16th of this month, internal conflicts arose during an emergency meeting to elect the next head monk of Haeinsa, leading to physical clashes. About 50 monks confronted each other at the entrance path to the Gwaneumjeon Hall of Haeinsa, and one temple official collapsed and was taken to the hospital. The cause of this conflict among monks was the sudden resignation of the current head monk, Ven. Hyeonung. Ven. Hyeonung submitted his resignation recently after allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced during his tenure as the Director of Education at the Jogye Order’s General Headquarters in 2018.

The 'Emergency Committee for the Normalization of Haeinsa,' composed of monks concerned about the scandal involving Ven. Hyeonung and the selection process for the next head monk, recently issued a statement claiming that Ven. Hyeonung "submitted his resignation and has been absent after problems escalated, including inappropriate exposure in a place not in accordance with the monastic code (Yeobeop) while wearing lay clothing with a certain Bhikkhuni nun."

Haeinsa Sorigil. The photo is not related to the specific content of the article.
Photo by Asia Economy

The Jogye Order expressed "deep regret to the public and the Buddhist community regarding the disgraceful controversies such as the head monk of Haeinsa’s violation of precepts," and stated, "If violations are confirmed through the investigation process, strict measures will be taken according to the Order’s laws and procedures."

As the controversy spreads, Ven. Hyeonung has expressed his intention to resign to the Order and asked Ven. Jingak, the General Affairs Director of Haeinsa, to temporarily take over his duties. Ven. Hyeonung’s term as head monk is until August this year.

Meanwhile, as the Jogye Order decided to investigate the allegations surrounding Ven. Hyeonung, they have postponed processing his resignation letter. A Jogye Order official said, "Currently, there are only rumors, so we plan to discipline if any violations are revealed through the investigation." The Order has notified several monks accused of violations, including Ven. Hyeonung, to appear for investigation at the Discipline Department, but it is known that they have not yet responded to the summons.