Won Buddhist Head Noh Sangho: "In Times of Crisis... Won Buddhism Will Fulfill Its Religious Role"

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"Suicide prevention education is like CPR. Just as you can save a person who collapses on the street with CPR, if you learn it, you can help someone overcome a critical moment of extreme choice. All Won Buddhist temples aim to play this role."

Noh Sangho, the head of Won Buddhist Church Administration (age 64), emphasized the importance of suicide prevention education, which has been fully implemented for the past three years, at a press conference held on the 24th at Seoul Yongsan Won Buddhist Church, ahead of the 110th anniversary of the founding day of Won Buddhism, Daegakgaegyojeol. He explained, "People at risk of suicide need someone who can help them during crisis moments that occur between psychiatric treatments," and added, "In this regard, I hope Won Buddhism can fulfill a religious role."

Noh Sangho, the head of Won Buddhist Church Administration, is speaking at a press conference held on the 24th at Seoul Yongsan Won Buddhist Church, ahead of the 110th anniversary of the founding day of Won Buddhism, Daegakgaegyojeol.

Daegakgaegyojeol is the day commemorating April 28, 1916, when Sotaesan, the founder of Won Buddhism, established the religion. Sotaesan expanded the faith with the slogan, "As material civilization is renewed, let us also renew the spirit."

Regarding the trend of Buddhism becoming more hip and appealing to the younger generation by integrating into the mainstream, Won Buddhism has declared its intention to remain faithful to the original purpose of religion. Noh stated, "Although I wish we could focus solely on missionary work, the founder, Sotaesan, emphasized concentrating on the fundamental duties of religion. We are actively engaged in education and spiritual guidance, operating ten alternative schools nationwide as well as Hangyeore Middle and High School for North Korean defector youth. However, we are also striving to strengthen missionary activities so that we can become better known to the public."

The attitude of avoiding superficial activities is also evident in the approach to low birth rates. Noh pointed out, "Other religions arrange matchmaking within their communities, but unless the fundamental issues are resolved, the low birth rate problem will not be solved. The issues of career interruption and childcare must be addressed; otherwise, all efforts are merely for show."

Regarding the qualifications for the next presidential candidate, he emphasized the importance of inclusiveness in political, social, and unification matters. He stressed, "Whether progressive, conservative, or centrist, everyone is a citizen. I hope people remember that the last presidential election was decided by less than a 1% margin. We do not know what will happen in five years, so I hope everyone considers that we are all citizens."

He continued, "For peace between North and South Korea, we must rekindle the fire for unification, and the issue of managing nuclear waste from nuclear power plants, which is currently just being stored, must also be addressed seriously. Foreigners now make up 5% of the population, which could become a major social issue in the future. The nation must take care to ensure they can grow up well and integrate fully."

According to Won Buddhism, there are currently about 600 temples in 15 dioceses nationwide. Internationally, there are 6 dioceses, operating around 130 temples in 27 countries. The number of clergy is about 2,000, and the number of registered followers is approximately 900,000.