Korean DJ NewJeansNim has recently developed a polarizing reputation in the Buddhist world. In South Korea, he was praised by members of the monastic community for creating a bridge between Buddhism and young people. However, his recent performance in Malaysia drew widespread criticism from the Buddhist community, who feared he would confuse young people.
During his recent performances in Taiwan and Seoul, NewJeansNim can be seen incorporating Buddhist themes into his music, encouraging audiences to "raise their hands." . . If you overcome suffering, you will live in paradise. (Time)
The name NewJeansNim was created by Yoon Seong-ho, the man behind the DJ character. Yoon was previously a comedian, changing paths and adopting the monastic appearance to connect Buddhism with younger audiences. The new name was created by mixing the names of a popular Korean pop girl group, NewJeans, with "sunim", the Korean title for a Buddhist monk.
In Korea, religiosity in general and Buddhism in particular are in decline, leading some monks to adopt new techniques and styles to reach young people. Last year, a monk became famous in Korea for his beauty, earning him the nickname "flower monk", which might be frowned upon in other Buddhist countries.
Regarding NewJeansNim, the president of the Jogye Order, the largest Buddhist sect in the country, said: ““I am grateful for the work you have done to spread a much younger Buddhism to the younger generation. " (Time)
Last month, he drew cheers from a large audience of mostly young Koreans at the International Buddhism Exhibition in Seoul.* There, participants could dance to his music, experience Buddhist scriptures in VR headsets or admire a large statue of a bodhisattva made of chocolate. Monks at the event highlighted the religion's openness to new approaches as it seeks new followers in a rapidly changing modern world.
NewJeansNim, who is not ordained, has also faced backlash, notably in Malaysia, where some view his nightclub appearances as inappropriate and disrespectful of Buddhist rituals.
The Malaysian Buddhist Youth Association condemned NewJeansNim's performances earlier this month, saying they could confuse the public about the true meaning of Buddhist practice.** In a statement about his performance in a nightclub, they said: "Such an arrangement will not only affect the solemnity of Buddhism, but may also confuse the public about the true meaning of Buddhist rituals, such as chanting sutras and hold the palms together. (Time)
Malaysian lawmakers also took a stand, calling for NewJeansNim to be banned from entering the country in order to preserve religious harmony.
In response to this controversy, Malaysian authorities ordered a halt to NewJeansNim's activities, leading to the cancellation of its planned performance in Kuala Lumpur. Despite the setbacks, NewJeansNim plans to continue performing across Asia, aiming to change young people's perceptions of Buddhism through his EDM performances.
In response to the controversy, NewJeansNim said: “I'm just starting to feel that young people are changing their minds about Buddhism. No matter who calls me or wherever, I will go to perform to make people accept Buddhism easier through my EDM performance. (Time) NewJeansNim has upcoming performances planned in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
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