President expresses condolence over death of Ven. Myeongjin

President Lee Jae Myung conveyed his sympathies following the demise of Ven. Myeongjin, the former chief monk of Bongeun Temple in Seoul. The revered monk passed away at the age of 76 after a maritime mishap, which is believed to have occurred during a free diving session. Discovered floating in the waters off the southern resort island of Jeju, he was rescued and transferred to a hospital, but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.

In a message on his Facebook page, President Lee expressed his grief over the loss of a distinguished figure in Korean Buddhism. He recalled a luncheon meeting he had with the late monk in July of the previous year, during which Ven. Myeongjin had expressed his hope for a world where workers struggling with the wealth disparity could live equally and forge a path towards peace between the two Koreas.

President Lee stated that he would always cherish his life and unwavering commitment to equality, peace, and compassion for others. Born in 1950, Ven. Myeongjin embraced monastic life in 1969 and served as the chief monk of Bongeun Temple in southern Seoul from 2006 to 2010. He had previously been subjected to covert surveillance by the authorities.