Buddhist monk Beopwon, special parish head of the Jogye Order
“After the martial law situation, the military was extremely weakened… Asking, ‘Can we have a bell-ringing event on New Year’s Eve?’
“Problem soldiers should be thoroughly judged on right and wrong, but even upright soldiers should not be condemned.”
“Should politicians endanger the people with the power given to them by the people?”
On December 30th of last year, when we met at the Wonkwang Temple of the Ministry of National Defense in Yongsan, Seoul, Venerable Beopwon, the special parish priest of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, said, “The military has been virtually paralyzed due to political strife since the martial law situation.” The Jogye Order’s Special Diocese supports the missionary and training activities of military magistrates of the Army, Navy and Air Force and about 380 military temples. He retired as a naval chaplain (captain) in 2004 and was inaugurated as the head of a special military chaplaincy diocese in November last year.
Buddhist monk Beopwon said, “With the military personnel suspension, key positions responsible for security are vacant,” adding, “I am very worried about what will happen if a war breaks out at a time like this.”
In the Army, with Chief of Staff Park An-soo suspended from his duties, 2nd Operational Command Commander (General) Ko Chang-jun is acting as acting commander. There is a series of vacancies in the 2nd Operational Command, with Kim Bong-soo, Commander of the Army Training Command (Lieutenant General), acting as the acting commander. It is said that this phenomenon is happening throughout the county, but the county is so weakened that no one is able to raise the issue.
Buddhist monk Beopwon said, “To the point, military temples across the country are even asking if they can hold a New Year’s Eve bell-ringing event every year.” He added, “I asked because the front-line unit commanders were afraid of getting caught up in some kind of controversy and were not willing to do anything, such as not going to Christmas services.” “He said.”
At his first Buddhist service held immediately after martial law, he gave a sermon centered on the idea of ’harmony’, which emphasizes communication and harmony. Monk Beopwon expressed regret, saying, “If you think about it in the end, wouldn’t this tragedy have occurred because the political circles went to extremes without giving in at all?” and added, “Even after going through this, they still don’t realize it and are playing a game of chicken with each other.” Extreme confrontation has brought about anger, but I am concerned that if we continue to blame others, our society could face a more serious crisis.
“Soldiers are a group of people who live on honor and morale. But now, even officers try to wear civilian clothes instead of military uniforms when they go out because of the harsh gaze. “If a soldier is ashamed of his military uniform, who will protect the country?”
Buddhist monk Court said, “The military and the majority of upright soldiers should not be criticized for their actions, although we must thoroughly distinguish between right and wrong regarding the soldiers who caused the problem.” He added, “The fact-finding investigation should be thorough, and since nothing is more important than national security, political circles should be careful.” “I hope you will exercise your wisdom to keep the line so as not to cause this serious danger.”
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