President Lee Jae-myung attended a Buddhist memorial ceremony at Jogyesa Temple in Seoul on May 24 [1].
The event serves as a symbolic effort to promote national healing and unity through religious teachings during a period of social tension. By invoking Buddhist principles, the president aims to signal a governance approach centered on equality and the protection of human life.
During the ceremony, which commemorated Buddha's Birthday in the Buddhist calendar year 2570 [1], Lee said the teachings of Buddha are a guiding lantern for his administration. He said that the teachings of Buddha have healed the pain of the people during every national crisis.
Lee emphasized a commitment to creating a government that saves the lives of the people. He said he would practice the teaching that all people are precious and equal.
Beyond the religious observances, the president addressed public concerns regarding online discourse. Lee said he suggested a review into the possible closure of the Ilbe website [2]. This proposal follows ongoing controversy involving former President Roh Moo-hyun and the nature of the site's content.
Lee said the sovereign government of the people would use the precious words of Buddha as a lantern. The ceremony at Jogyesa Temple highlighted the intersection of spiritual guidance and state policy in the president's current agenda [1].
“"The teachings of Buddha have healed the pain of the people during every national crisis."”
President Lee's alignment with Buddhist values of equality and compassion serves as a strategic attempt to soften his image and foster national cohesion. However, the call to review the closure of the Ilbe website introduces a potential conflict between his rhetoric of unity and the practical application of state censorship against a controversial digital platform.
