[Politics That Day] The Day of Buddha's Birthday When Two Suns Coexisted

Buddha's Birthday in 2022 is May 8
Period Two Days Before Presidential Resignation and Inauguration
Moon Sends Message via SNS, Yoon Attends Jogyesa Temple Event

Editor's Note‘On That Day in Politics’ is a series that looks back on Korean politics through the ‘recollection of memories’ related to notable scenes, events, and figures.

Politics runs on two clocks. One is the clock of politics itself, and the other is the clock of the world. When May ends, June comes, and when June ends, July returns. That is the clock of the world. However, the clock of politics does not always keep pace with the clock of the world at the same speed.

There are times to pause and rest, and times to walk a little faster. That is the etiquette and the path of politics. In the Republic of Korea, presidential elections have generally been held in December. The two months until the new president’s inauguration in February of the following year is a period when two suns coexist.

The coexistence of the setting sun and the rising sun. The incumbent president prepares for the time of stepping down, while the new president awaits the time of inauguration. Although this is a situation guaranteed within the constitutional term, the incumbent president finds it difficult to exercise all the powers fully as they are.

On the 23rd, novice monks participating in the short-term monastic training program 'Bodhi Tree Sprout School' at Jogyesa Temple in Jongno-gu, Seoul, are presenting 'Lotus Red Bean Bread' released by Shinsegae Food to celebrate Buddha's Birthday. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

This is because space must be left for the new president.

If there is a grace period of a month or two, that is somewhat fortunate. But what if the presidential seat changes tomorrow or the day after? It can become ambiguous who should attend major national events or occasions requiring the president’s presence.

When a presidential election was held in March due to impeachment, an interesting scene unfolded in May of last year.

It happened on May 8 of last year, the day of Buddha’s Birthday in the Buddhist calendar year 2566. Buddha’s Birthday is an event that holds significance even in political circles.

May 8 was two days before then-President Moon Jae-in’s term ended. It was also two days before President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol’s inauguration. On a usual Buddha’s Birthday, the incumbent president would attend in person or deliver a message through the chief presidential secretary.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

However, on May 8 last year, President Moon Jae-in delivered his message via social media (SNS). Sending the presidential message through SNS was a gesture of consideration for the new president.

At the time, President Moon said, “On Buddha’s Birthday, I wish for a spring of healing and hope. With the Buddha’s blessing (the act of Buddha or Bodhisattvas giving strength to sentient beings), I hope life blooms like a lotus flower.”

President Moon emphasized, “Buddhism awakened the mind of inclusion and coexistence through compassion and sharing, and we regained our daily lives with hearts caring for one another.” His focus was on the original message of Buddha’s Birthday rather than political or social messages.

This is not unrelated to the situation of a president about to step down.

On the other hand, the message from the president awaiting inauguration contained visions for the future. President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol personally attended the Buddha’s Birthday celebration ceremony held at Jogyesa Temple in Seoul and expressed his aspirations for national governance.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President-elect Yoon said, “If we practice the Buddha’s teachings well and fulfill solidarity and responsibility for the community, every day will bloom with hope.”

In particular, President-elect Yoon pledged, “Although many challenges and crises lie ahead, we will strive to make a fresh leap forward and ensure that the people can live well together under the new government. We will unite the hearts of the people and warmly embrace those in hardship.”

The message delivered on Buddha’s Birthday contained commitments and philosophy for national governance. It was the kind of content that allowed a glimpse of the blueprint for governance just two days before the presidential inauguration.

In 2022, Buddha’s Birthday presented a situation where the rising sun and the setting sun coexisted. Will there be another chance to see such a scene in the future?

The next presidential election will be held in 2027, and Buddha’s Birthday falls on May 13. This is after the inauguration of President Yoon Suk-yeol’s successor on May 10. The 2027 Buddha’s Birthday will be the first public holiday the next president experiences after taking office.

The presidential message on this day is expected to serve as an occasion to reaffirm the vision for national governance, with a meaning different from that of 2022.