Prime Minister Kim Meets Buddhist Leaders: "Rest for Families of People with Developmental Disabilities"... Jinwoo Sunim Calls Him "Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva"

Prime Minister Minseok Kim visited a Buddhist leader on July 10 and suggested, "I hope that at least once a year, families of people with developmental disabilities can rest through a templestay program," adding, "The central and local governments will also share the costs, so let's offer vacations for families of people with developmental disabilities as a society."

Jinwoo Sunim, the head of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, readily agreed, responding, "We are always prepared, and even now, about 8,000 people with disabilities participate in our templestay program each year," adding, "Let's further develop this initiative." He continued, "Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva vowed not to attain Buddhahood until all sentient beings are saved, including even the smallest creatures. The Prime Minister's inauguration speech, which promised to leave no socially disadvantaged person behind, aligns with Buddhist teachings. From the Buddhist community's perspective, Prime Minister Kim embodies the spirit of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva."

Prime Minister Minseok Kim is visiting Jinwoo Sunim, the head of the Jogye Order, at Jogyesa Temple in Jongno-gu, Seoul on July 10, 2025. Photo by Yonhap News

On the morning of July 10, Prime Minister Kim had this conversation with Buddhist leaders at Jogyesa Temple in Jongno-gu, Seoul. This was not the first meeting between Prime Minister Kim and Jinwoo Sunim. During his tenure as a Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party of Korea, Kim visited Jogyesa Temple with people with disabilities as the head of the parliamentary research group "Eyes of the Weak," which focused on the socially disadvantaged. At that time, the purpose of the visit was to raise issues regarding the difficulties people with disabilities face when using public transportation, such as subways, and to deliver a proposal to then-Prime Minister Ducksoo Han through the Buddhist community.

Prime Minister Kim reiterated, "There are many people, not only with disabilities but also those who have been emotionally wounded by various accidents," and requested, "If the Buddhist community takes the lead in programs for the disadvantaged, it would be good if other religions could follow suit." He also mentioned South Korea's high suicide rate, emphasizing, "It is difficult for the government to do everything with money alone," and added, "I hope the government and religious communities can work together to help young people find peace and stability of mind."

Additionally, Prime Minister Kim said, "Buddhist history, culture, and spirit are embedded throughout Korean Wave cultural content," and suggested, "Let's create excellent content from a cultural perspective and promote the values of Buddhism that have protected the nation."

Meanwhile, Jinwoo Sunim told Prime Minister Kim, "Although we have experienced seven months of turmoil, the great people of this country have overcome all difficulties well," and advised, "If we can help even those on the opposing side or with different views to understand, our country can become the best in the world."