On the 29th of last month, the Buddhist relic found at the fire scene in the monks' quarters (residence for monks) at Chiljangsa Temple in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province, was finally confirmed to belong to Venerable Jaseung (69).
A memorial altar for Venerable Jaseung has been set up at the Daeungjeon Hall of Jogyesa Temple in Jongno-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]
The Anseong Police Station in Gyeonggi announced on the 1st that they received this result after requesting DNA analysis of Venerable Jaseung and his family members from the National Forensic Service. The police also received a preliminary opinion from the autopsy indicating the cause of death was presumed to be 'fire-related.'
During the joint investigation conducted the previous day by the police, fire department, and National Forensic Service, it was concluded that the fire likely started in the left room of the monks' quarters. The police stated that it is difficult to definitively determine the cause of the fire at this stage. The monks' quarters where the fire occurred reportedly consisted of two rooms, a wooden floor area, and a bathroom. A police official said, "The exact circumstances of the fire will be determined later after comprehensively reviewing the detailed forensic results."
At around 6:50 p.m. on the 29th of last month, Venerable Jaseung passed away due to the fire in the monks' quarters at Chiljangsa Temple. The Jogye Order held a briefing on the 30th, the day after the accident, concluding that Venerable Jaseung self-immolated by his own choice. Venerable Jaseung was a senior official of the Jogye Order who served as the head of the Jogye Order's General Assembly.
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