Singapore Buddhist Federation calls for cancellation of show by South Korean DJ ‘monk’ NewJeansNim

SINGAPORE — The Singapore Buddhist Federation, one of Singapore’s most prominent Buddhist organizations, has called for the cancellation of an upcoming show by South Korean DJ NewJeansNim — a rising artist who performs wearing monk’s robes and incorporates Buddhist mantras into his set.

NewJeansNim, who is not affiliated with popular K-pop group NewJeans, is currently scheduled to hold their first concert in Singapore at Club Rich on June 19.

In a Facebook post on Sunday (May 19), the Singapore Buddhist Federation wrote that NewJeansNim is “not a monk” and therefore “should not wear a monk’s robe” during his performances.

According to the federation, this is “contrary to Vinaya”, the code of conduct for Buddhist monks.

The federation expressed hope that the relevant authorities would reject permits for the DJ’s performance in order to “avoid embarrassing Buddhists.”

NewJeansNim had previously faced backlash for its performance in Malaysia from Venerable Jue Cheng, chief abbess of Fo Guang Shan in Singapore and Malaysia, as well as Wee Ka Siong, president of the Chinese Association of Malaysia .

Mr Wee said: “His controversial actions have hurt the sentiments of the Buddhist community, who will be celebrating Vesak Day… I call on the Home Minister to instruct the Immigration Department, the police and to the Puspal secretariat to prevent entry into the country. DJ in Malaysia in order to respect the sanctity of Buddhism and preserve religious harmony in Malaysia.

Following the controversy, NewJeansNim’s remaining shows in Malaysia were cancelled.

NewJeansNim, real name Yoon Seong-ho, has seen growing popularity in South Korea in recent months. South Korea’s largest English-language newspaper, The Korea Herald, reported that the Jogye Order, South Korea’s largest Buddhist sect, employed NewJeansNim as part of its outreach efforts.

In a meeting with NewJeansNim, Jogye Order President Venerable Jin-woo said, “I am grateful for the work you have done to spread a much younger Buddhism to the younger generation. »

At that same meeting, Venerable Jin-woo also presented NewJeansNim with a rosary and a helmet.

CNA Lifestyle has contacted the Singapore Police Force and the Infocomm Media Development Authority for comment. CNA