Controversy Over 'Second Child After Leaving Home'... Monk Doyeon Submits 'Return to Secular Life' to Jogye Order

It has been confirmed that Venerable Doyeon (37), who is suspected of having a child with his ex-wife after ordination, has applied for reinstatement to the Jogye Order, the sect to which he belongs. Reinstatement means that a monk returns to secular life.

According to the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism (Jogye Order) on the 25th, Venerable Doyeon recently submitted a reinstatement application to the Jogye Order Secretariat. A Jogye Order official stated, "It is true that the reinstatement application documents have been received by the sect. The related procedures are underway."

Doyeon Sunim [Photo by Doyeon Sunim, Facebook]

The reason for submitting the reinstatement application has not been disclosed, but it appears to be related to the recent controversy. Previously, Venerable Doyeon was identified as the person involved in allegations that a monk named A, a graduate of a prestigious university, had a child with his ex-wife even after ordination.

The whistleblower who raised the related allegations claimed, "Monk A joined a Buddhist sect that permits marriage, got married, and had his first child. Later, when he transferred to the Jogye Order, he requested a sham divorce. Even after the divorce, Monk A continued the relationship and had a second child."

As the controversy grew, Venerable Doyeon personally clarified the situation through social media (SNS). He stated, "I feel responsible for causing burden and negative impact on the Jogye Order through this incident, and I will spend some time in self-reflection, focusing on practice and study."

Due to the aftermath of the controversy, the planned book publication was also canceled. The publisher that had an exclusive contract with Venerable Doyeon said, "As a result of consultation with the monk, we have discontinued the book and terminated the exclusive author management contract. It has been settled by returning the entire advance payment already made and the cost of destroying the books."

The Jogye Order’s investigative body, the Hobup, is currently conducting an investigation regarding the related allegations. Previously, the Jogye Order recommended that Venerable Doyeon undergo a DNA test concerning the second child allegation, but it is known that Venerable Doyeon refused the test, stating, "The ex-wife is not consenting."

A sham divorce is a matter that can lead to the maximum penalty of revocation of monk status, but since Venerable Doyeon has submitted a reinstatement application, it is expected that he will be reinstated without separate disciplinary action.

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