ED Reforming Jogye Order

The chief executive of the Jogye Order, Korea's largest Buddhist sect, is on the verge of being ousted from his position.

The central council of the order voted last week to dismiss Ven. Seoljeong, who has faced mounting allegations of misconduct, including fathering a child and forging academic records. In a meeting on Aug. 16, more than two thirds of the 75-member council voted for a proposal to remove Ven. Seoljeong.

The 76-year-old's ouster will be confirmed by a meeting of senior members of the order on Aug. 22. But regardless of the final decision, it should be noted that this is the first time that the council has passed a motion to impeach the order's executive leader, a post that is regarded as the pinnacle of Korean Buddhism.

It is deplorable that someone who is regarded as one of the country's religious leaders has come to face such shameful allegations. Aside from a hidden child and forged academic records, the monk has also faced allegations of illegal ownership of private property. The allegations were reported during "PD Notebook," an MBC investigative program. Ven. Seoljeong, who took office in November 2017, has not provided clear explanations about the allegations and said that he will remain in his post until the end of the year, ignoring calls for an immediate resignation after the allegations erupted.

The vote to oust Ven. Seoljeong underlines the need to reform the Jogye Order, which has long been tainted by corruption and power struggles. This should be the start of some real changes at Korea's largest Buddhist sect.