‘Unity Move’ Lee Jae-myung Visits Jogye and Taego Orders
"Public Anxiety, Great Responsibility Lies with Political Circles Including Myself"
"Extreme Forces Emerging... Era of Post-Truth"
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, visited the Taego Order Headquarters of Korean Buddhism in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 24th and paid a courtesy call to Sangjin Seunim, the head of the headquarters. 2025.2.24 Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, met with the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and the Taego Order of Korean Buddhism's Chief Executives on the 24th, saying, "It seems that extremism based on post-truth is rampant," and urged, "I ask the elders to play a role."
On the morning of the same day, Lee visited Jinwoo Seunim, Chief Executive of the Jogye Order, at the Korean Buddhist History and Culture Memorial Hall in Jongno-gu, Seoul, saying, "Please continue to give necessary words like a wooden clapper to the insufficient political circles and politicians."
Lee said, "The responsibility of the entire political circle, including myself, is great regarding the public's anxiety and discomfort," adding, "Within that, who has more responsibility is a relative matter, and we also have many shortcomings, which has made the lives of the people difficult and the country very unstable. That is our fault."
He continued, "The world is too extreme and confrontational, which is also worrisome," and said, "The recent situation is clearly serious, and it seems difficult to overcome it with efforts from the political circle alone."
In response, Jinwoo Seunim advised, "Regardless of political camps, whether someone is right or wrong, the people are uncomfortable as a result, so everyone must take responsibility and work to resolve it," adding, "Approaching those who oppose with sincerity and truthfulness will be the path as a political leader and a virtuous leader."
On the same day, Lee also visited Sangjin Seunim, Chief Executive of the Taego Order's General Headquarters in Jongno-gu.
Lee said, "Our society these days is very chaotic, and on the other hand, the hostile atmosphere has intensified so much that many people are worried," adding, "People say that nowadays it is hard to distinguish whether something is false or true, and even if it is not true, it is spread as if it were true, so it is called the era of post-truth."
He continued, "It seems that extremism based on post-truth is rampant," adding, "In a way, it could be called combative or violent; these extreme forces seem to have come out into the field, causing many people to worry."
Lee said, "I would appreciate it if you could play a significant role in forming a social culture based on truth and reality during such a critical time."
Sangjin Seunim gave Lee a gift of his own book, 'Subong Sangjin Dharma Collection,' and responded, "Please use much wisdom and strive to make the people comfortable."
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