Monk becomes 'Buddhist world's G-Dragon' with razor-sharp dance moves
“Bad, bad, bad….” At Jajaeam Temple, nestled deep in the valleys of Soyo Mountain in Dongducheon, Gyeonggi Province, the silence was broken by “BAD,” a popular song by boy band ATEEZ. The man engrossed in popping moves, his gray Buddhist robes flying around him, was Ven. Deoksan, the temple’s abbot. He shot to fame after dancing to G-Dragon and Taeyang’s “Good Boy” at a Buddhist Expo in April and…
At Jajaeam Temple, situated in the secluded valleys of Soyo Mountain in Dongducheon, Gyeonggi Province, the hush was shattered by "BAD," a hit track by the popular boy band ATEEZ. The man captivated by his popping dance moves, his gray Buddhist robes fluttering behind him, was Ven. Deoksan, the temple's abbot. He gained widespread recognition after dancing to G-Dragon and Taeyang's "Good Boy" at a Buddhist Expo in April and Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" at the Lotus Lantern Festival in May.
Despite being in his 60s, his unique dance style has earned him colorful monikers such as the "G-Dragon of Buddhism," "Deoksan Daegong," and "Michael Jacksonsunim," a clever combination of Michael Jackson and the Korean term for monk, "sunim." Ven. Deoksan, who uses dance as a means to disseminate Buddhist teachings, was interviewed on September 30.
Dancing is an integral part of his practice, Ven. Deoksan responded with a shy smile when questioned about the popularity of his dance videos on social media, admitting he felt "embarrassed" by the attention. "As a practitioner, I hope this can help me convey Buddhist teachings in a more accessible manner."
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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