Buddhist Group Demands "Resignation of Bongeunsa Head Monk" Over Monks' Group Assault Case

[Asia Economy Reporter Seomideum] Recently, in relation to the group assault incident involving monks that occurred in front of Bongeunsa Temple in Gangnam, Buddhist organizations held a rally urging the resignation of the Bongeunsa Temple head monk and the Hoju.

The Participatory Buddhism Solidarity Sect Reform Center, Jogye Order Democratic Union, and Bulryeokhoe held a rally on the 21st in front of Bongeunsa Temple in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, and stated in a resolution, "This violent incident was a premeditated fabrication involving not only Bongeunsa Temple Director Monk A but also a large number of disciples of Hoju Jaseung."

They added, "It can only be said that the head monk and the Hoju either ordered or tacitly approved this," and called for the resignation of the two monks. Furthermore, they demanded that the Jogye Order issue a public apology at the sect level, discipline those involved, and prepare measures to prevent recurrence.

The Jogye Order union and others criticized, "The Jogye Order is currently branded domestically and internationally with an immoral image involving violence and gambling," and "Despite the occurrence of an unimaginable violent incident in broad daylight, the Jogye Order has not uttered a single word."

These organizations stated, "Buddhists have long felt ashamed and reluctant to visit temples. The public demands reform of the religious authority that has revealed its true face," and criticized, "The Jogye Order and monks, who pride themselves on the Buddha and Korean traditional culture, must perform balro chamhoe (발로참회, self-exposing repentance). If not, they will not be able to escape responsibility."

After the rally ended, activists from these organizations performed 1080 prostrations.

Earlier, Park Jeong-gyu, the Planning and Public Relations Director of the Jogye Order union who was dismissed from the Jogye Order, was hospitalized after being assaulted by a group of monks including Monk A while attempting a one-person protest in front of Bongeunsa Temple on the 14th, criticizing former General Secretary Jaseung's interference in sect elections.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.