Controversy Over "Second Child After Leaving Home," Monk Doyeon Says "Ex-Wife Refused DNA Test"

"Claim of Having a Second Child After Leaving Home Is Unfounded"
Monk Summoned for Investigation by Jogye Order's Disciplinary Agency

Monk Doyeon, who gained recognition as a graduate of a prestigious university, has been suspected of having a second child with his ex-wife even after ordination. As the controversy grew, the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism began investigating the facts.

According to Yonhap News on the 9th, a Jogye Order official stated that the HoBeopBu, the order's investigative body, summoned Monk Doyeon for questioning regarding the recent allegations posted on internet forums that he had a second child after ordination.

Monk Doyeon, who gained fame as a graduate of a prestigious university, has been suspected of having a second child with his ex-wife even after ordination. As the controversy grew, the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism began investigating the facts.
[Photo by Monk Doyeon Facebook]

Monk Doyeon is known to have studied electronic engineering at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) before ordaining. He has gained fame as a meditation instructor at Bongeunsa Temple, published books such as "Band-Aid for the Heart Written in Words," and appeared on television.

According to the Jogye Order official, Monk Doyeon explained during the investigation that "I had one child after marriage, but then divorced and ordained. The claim that I had a second child after ordination is groundless."

The Jogye Order allows individuals who have divorced and severed worldly ties to ordain. However, if a monk maintains a relationship with an ex-spouse after ordination and a child is born, the monk faces revocation of their monastic status.

The order has requested Monk Doyeon to prove through a DNA test that the allegations are false, but he reportedly responded that "the ex-wife is not cooperating."

Yeon Sunim has not publicly clarified or actively refuted the allegations.
[Photo by Do Yeon Sunim, Facebook]

A Jogye Order official said, "Since the order does not have investigative authority over civilians, we cannot forcibly conduct a DNA test. Therefore, he must prove that the allegations are false. If he fails to do so, we will have no choice but to discipline him based on the facts revealed so far."

Meanwhile, Monk Doyeon has neither publicly explained nor actively refuted the allegations. In a post on Facebook on the 7th, he declared a suspension of his social media activities, stating, "I feel responsible for causing burden and negative impact on the Jogye Order through this matter, and I will spend some time in self-reflection, focusing on practice and study."