Domestic Sensation NewJeans, Malaysia Buddhist Community's Reaction is 'Cold'

Performance at Kuala Lumpur Dance Club on the 3rd
"Instilling Misconceptions About Buddhist Teachings" Criticized

The Malaysian Buddhist community has shown a cold response to 'Newjinsnim' (comedian Yoon Seong-ho's alter ego), who is gaining popularity for his Buddhist scripture remix DJ performances dressed in monk robes.

Newjinsnim performed wearing monk robes at a dance club in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on the 3rd. His performance video then spread through social networking services (SNS). Seeing this, Malaysian Member of Parliament Wicassion stated on the 8th, "(Newjinsnim's performance) is a misunderstanding of the values and teachings of Buddhism," and appealed to the Minister of the Interior to instruct immigration and police to block Newjinsnim's entry to respect the sacredness. He added, "If the DJ had not disguised himself as a Buddhist monk during the performance to provoke religious sensitivities and cause unnecessary controversy, the Buddhist community would have no intention of blocking any artist's performance."

The concert poster of NewJeans scheduled to be held in Hong Kong on the 17th [Image source=Captured from NewJeans' Instagram]

Several complaints related to Newjinsnim's club performance have also been reported to the Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia (YBAM). They criticized Newjinsnim's performance for making the Buddhist way of life appear 'harmful and disrespectful.' The president of the Malaysian Chinese Association also condemned, "His (Newjinsnim's) controversial actions have hurt the Buddhist community commemorating Vesak Day (a festival celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha) two weeks later."

Islam is the state religion of Malaysia, with about 60% of the population being Muslim and 20% Buddhist. Most Muslims are ethnic Malays, while most Chinese Malaysians are Buddhists.

Newjinsnim was scheduled to perform once more in Kuala Lumpur on the 21st, a day before Vesak Day. However, as the controversy grew, his entry into Malaysia and the performance became uncertain.

Comedian Yoon Sung-ho (right) is shaking hands with Jogye Order Chief Executive Jinwoo at the Korean Buddhist History and Culture Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 30th of last month.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, Newjinsnim continues active activities overseas in places like Taiwan and Hong Kong following Korea. On the 9th, Jinwoo Sunim, the Chief Executive of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, praised Newjinsnim, saying, "Many young people see monks as too solemn, reverent, and heavy," and described Newjinsnim as "a vanguard who approaches young people and brings peace to their minds." Recently, Jinwoo Sunim personally gifted Newjinsnim a headset and prayer beads selected for use during DJing.

Yoon Seong-ho received the Dharma name 'Newjin' in a simplified ceremony from Osim Sunim at Jogyesa Temple last November. 'Newjin' combines the English word 'New' and the Chinese character '진 (進)' meaning 'to advance,' symbolizing moving forward anew, with the suffix 'nim' added to evoke a double meaning reminiscent of the girl group NewJeans.

Earlier last month, at the '2024 Seoul International Buddhist Expo,' Newjinsnim staged a spectacular EDM performance titled 'Paradise is also Joy (樂),' and on the 12th, he will appear at the Jogyesa Lantern Festival event held ahead of Buddha's Birthday on the 15th.