Downfall of Former Shaolin Temple Abbot: Indicted on Embezzlement and Bribery Charges

Shi Yongxin, Known as the "CEO of Shaolin Temple"

Served as Abbot for Over 25 Years Since 1999

The former abbot of Shaolin Temple in Henan Province, China, who was arrested last year on charges including embezzlement and bribery, has been formally indicted.

According to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency on the 21st, the Xinxiang City People's Procuratorate in Henan Province announced the previous day that it had filed charges with the Intermediate People's Court against Seok Yongshin (Shi Yongxin, 60, birth name Liu Yingcheng), the former abbot of Shaolin Temple in Henan Province, on charges of occupational embezzlement, misappropriation of funds, bribery, and offering bribes. The specific amount related to his alleged corruption has not been disclosed.

Seungxin Seok, former head monk of Shaolin Temple

Shaolin Temple is known as the birthplace of Chinese martial arts, Kung Fu. On July 27 of last year, the Shaolin Temple Management Office officially announced that Seok Yongshin was under investigation for criminal offenses. The following day, the Buddhist Association of China announced the revocation of his monkhood. At that time, the association stated, "Seok Yongshin's actions are extremely egregious and have seriously damaged the reputation of the Buddhist community and the image of monks," adding, "We firmly support the legal actions taken against him." Subsequently, on November 16 of the same year, the Xinxiang City People's Procuratorate approved the arrest of Seok Yongshin.

Born in Anhui Province in 1965, Seok Yongshin is one of the most famous Buddhist monks in China. He entered Shaolin Temple in 1981, became abbot in 1999, and led the temple for more than 25 years until his ousting last year. He also served as president of the Henan Buddhist Association from 1998 and as vice president of the Buddhist Association of China from 2002. Holding a Master of Business Administration (MBA), he was nicknamed "the CEO of Shaolin Temple." While he was criticized for excessive commercialization—through kung fu shows, film productions, and the sale of Shaolin Temple souvenirs—he was also recognized for turning the temple into a global brand.

The downfall of Seok Yongshin dealt a significant blow to the reputation of the Buddhist community in China, but it also triggered institutional reforms. At the end of last year, the Buddhist Association of China announced the establishment of a supervisory body to strengthen oversight of monks' conduct. Separate from the current indictment, Seok Yongshin also faces allegations of having inappropriate relationships with several women and of fathering at least one illegitimate child.

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