Jogye Order Chief Executive Jinwoo Sunim's New Year's Press Conference
"Violence Cannot Be Tolerated... Violence Becomes the Seed of More Violence"
On the Jeju Air Disaster: "Praying for the Peaceful Rebirth of the Victims' Spirits"
The Trend of "Hip Buddhism" Will Continue
"When greed exceeds conscience, one may set aside conscience and express it through extreme words or actions."
Jinwoo Sunim, the Chief Executive of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, strongly condemned the violent acts committed by protesters who stormed the Seoul Western District Court in opposition to the arrest warrant issued for President Yoon Seok-yeol at a New Year's press conference, stating that "strong legal measures are necessary."
Jogye Order Chief Executive Jinwoo Sunim holding a New Year's press conference. Photo by Yonhap News
At the press conference held at the Korean Buddhist History and Culture Memorial Hall in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Jinwoo Sunim said, "I also saw that scene, and it was a very heartbreaking feeling," adding, "Under no circumstances should such violent methods be tolerated." He continued, "I believe that what humans must primarily have is conscience. Even if one expresses their own opinions and claims, it must be done according to their conscience," and pointed out, "If such violent incidents are repeated, they become seeds that can provoke violence among each other due to anxiety."
Regarding criticism that some politicians who also serve as clergy are inciting conflict, he said, "If false information is spread or illegal acts are incited as if they were legal, they must naturally face legal sanctions," and added, "The Buddhist community will play a role in soothing the public's anxiety and informing those with violent thoughts that such behavior is unacceptable."
Referring to the political, social, and economic turmoil caused by the martial law and impeachment phases, as well as overseas wars, he diagnosed the situation as "Samgyehwataek (三界火宅)," meaning "the three realms burning house," and urged, "All change comes with pain and confusion. Like a flexible snake, let us overcome the pain, shed our old skin, and move forward toward a new world."
Regarding the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster at Muan International Airport on the 29th of last month, which claimed 179 lives, he said, "I sincerely pray for the peaceful afterlife of the victims' spirits," and expressed a strong sense of the need to foster volunteers who practice social compassion.
The recent trend of 'hip Buddhism,' which approaches the public with a youthful sensibility, will continue. He announced plans to create cultural spaces that resonate with young people as part of annual events such as the Buddhist Expo and Buddha's Birthday (May 5). Additionally, a media public relations office will be established. Jinwoo Sunim stated, "We plan to widely promote the inclusiveness of Korean Buddhism and diversify propagation methods by continuously communicating directly with the younger generation."
In Anam-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, the construction of the Central Seon Meditation Center is being promoted. Through this, they plan to spread Seon meditation and continue programs including temple stays so that temples contribute to public leisure and mental health improvement.
A rock-carved Buddha statue located on the slope of Yeolamgok in Namsan, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do. Photo by Yonhap News
Regarding the plan to upright the Ma-ae Buddha statue on Namsan Mountain in Gyeongju, he said, "In the first half of the year, a simulation experiment for erecting the statue will be completed with the National Heritage Agency and Gyeongju City." The Ma-ae Buddha statue on Namsan Mountain in Gyeongju was found toppled with its nose almost touching the ground rock, known as the "5 cm miracle." Attempts have been ongoing to restore the fallen statue without damage.
The Jogye Order plans to complete the organizational restructuring to integrate the Education Institute and the Propagation Institute directly under the General Headquarters by April.
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