Venerable Myeongjin [Newsis]
Venerable Myeongjin [Newsis]

Prominent socially engaged Buddhist monk Venerable Myeongjin, a former head of Bongeunsa Temple, died suddenly, prompting an outpouring of condolences from ruling camp figures including former President Moon Jae-in, President Lee Jae Myung and the leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea.

Moon paid tribute Sunday via Facebook, saying he mourned "the life of a monk who led the democratization, peace and reunification movements, who never turned away from the world's pain, and who did not shy away from hardship in standing up against unjust power."

"For the venerable monk, practice was action and deed — it was being with those who suffered," Moon added. "I will not forget his teachings as he sought to reform Korean Buddhism and awaken the world."

President Lee also expressed condolences Saturday after learning of the monk's passing. "I share with all citizens the grief of losing a great elder of the Buddhist community," he said.

Lee recalled a luncheon he had with Venerable Myeongjin in July last year, saying the monk had told him: "Please open the way, as president, for a world where even workers suffering amid the wealth gap can live as equals, and for peace between the two Koreas." Lee said he would "long remember the life and spirit of a monk who carried in his heart the values of equality, peace and compassion for all sentient beings."

Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok also wrote on Facebook on Saturday, describing the monk as "a great venerable, a great reformer and a great democratic leader" who "served as a shield for many people in difficult times."

"He was a great elder of civil society whom my own mother often spoke of," Kim added. "Though he has departed quietly, I will not forget his warm presence."

Venerable Myeongjin was widely regarded as one of South Korea's most prominent socially engaged monks, known for his active participation in the reform of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and in democratization and peace-reunification movements. His public journey began when he was detained after leading a nationwide monks' assembly at Haeinsa Temple in September 1986 and a rally denouncing religious persecution at Bongeunsa Temple in October of that year, both in defiance of the military government's control over religion.

He went on to serve as head of Bongeunsa Temple in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, from 2006, and consistently raised his voice on social issues — visiting and offering comfort to survivors of the Yongsan disaster, laid-off KGM workers staging a sit-in protest, and victims of the Sewol ferry tragedy.

Venerable Myeongjin was found floating in waters near Seogwipo, Jeju Island, at around 9:38 a.m. Saturday. He was rescued and taken to a hospital but was later pronounced dead. The monk had been training in freediving on Jeju Island for several years and was reportedly wearing a mask, snorkel, diving suit and fins when he was found.


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