Singapore Buddhist Federation calls for cancellation of show by South Korean DJ 'monk' NewJeansNim
This picture taken on May 12, 2024 shows NewJeansNim performing during an electronic dance music event for the annual lotus lantern festival to celebrate the upcoming Buddha's birthday in Seoul.
SINGAPORE — The Singapore Buddhist Federation, one of the most prominent Buddhist organisations in Singapore, has called for the cancellation of an upcoming performance by South Korean DJ NewJeansNim — a rising entertainer who performs while wearing a monk's robe and incorporates Buddhist mantras into his set.
NewJeansNim, who is not affiliated with the popular K-pop group NewJeans, is currently scheduled to perform his first show 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 thus "should not put on (a) monk's robe" during his performances.
This, the federation said, is "against (the) Vinaya" — the code of conduct for Buddhist monks.
The federation expressed its hope that the relevant authorities would reject the permits for the DJ's performance so as to "avoid bringing embarrassment to Buddhists".
NewJeansNim previously faced backlash for his performances in Malaysia from Venerable Jue Cheng, the chief abbess of Fo Guang Shan in Singapore and Malaysia, as well as Wee Ka Siong, the president of the Malaysian Chinese Association.
Mr Wee said: "His controversial acts have hurt the feelings of the Buddhist community, which will celebrate Vesak Day... I appeal to the home affairs minister to instruct the immigration department, the police and the Puspal secretariat to prevent the entry of the DJ into 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, whose real name is Yoon Seong-ho, has experienced a steady rise in 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, has employed NewJeansNim as part of its outreach efforts.
In a meeting with NewJeansNim, the president of The Jogye Order Venerable Jin-woo said: "I am thankful for the work you have done in spreading a much younger Buddhism to the young generation."
In that same meeting, Venerable Jin-woo also presented NewJeansNim with prayer beads and a headset.
CNA Lifestyle has reached out to the Singapore Police Force and Infocomm Media Development Authority for comments. CNA
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