Korean religious groups' solidarity boosts morale among embattled protesters in Myanmar

Monks and students from Myanmar hold a street protest against the military who took control of Myanmar's government by force, in Seoul, Friday. Korea Times photo by Han Jin-tak

By Park Ji-won

A group of Korean Buddhist monks and students from Myanmar held a street protest earlier this week. They prostrated themselves on the streets of Seoul in an act known as “ochetuji” that requires a person's elbows, knees and forehead to touch the floor. Ochetuji has been used by Buddhist worshippers both as a sign of reverence to Buddha and as a form of peaceful protest.

In response to news articles and videos online showing the monks and students holding the protest, online commenters appearing to be Myanmar's citizens continue to express gratitude for the show of unity.

One commenter wrote, “It touches my heart and even makes me cry. Thanks and we will never forget your voices and support, Korea.”

Another wrote, “I have been a fan of K-drama since 10 years ago. Then I become a big fan of EXO. Now you and your people bring tears to my eyes as I am so grateful for your help and support. God bless South Korea.”

Myanmar has been paralyzed by street protests since the military seized control on February 1 and detained Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD) party. The NLD won a landslide victory in last year's election, but the military claims the vote was rigged. A brutal crackdown on ensuing protests has led to more than 70 fatalities, according to reports.

Korean religious groups, including the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and the National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK), have been expressing solidarity with demonstrators in Myanmar.

“We will pray for the realization of democracy, freedom and human rights in Myanmar in alliance with Korean churches and religious groups and civil societies here and in the world,” the NCCK said in a statement Thursday.

It called on Korean churches and worshippers to offer a special one-minute prayer for peace and democracy in Myanmar every day, while urging the Korean government and businesses not to provide arms or other military supplies to the Southeast Asian country.

Archbishop of Seoul, Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, also released a statement Friday expressing solidarity with the citizens of Myanmar: “I am saddened to learn that those responsible for Myanmar's military coup are conducting ruthless crackdowns and taking violent action against peaceful protesters. Violent suppression cannot be accepted in any kind of situation. I express deep solidarity with Myanmar's citizens and hope the country will establish democracy.”

Earlier this month, Korea's Ministry of Justice said it will provide special stay permits for Myanmar nationals on humanitarian grounds. Under the measures, the government will issue temporary stay permits to Myanmar nationals here whose visas are about to expire but cannot be extended.?The measures will affect around 25,000 Myanmar nationals residing in South Korea until conditions stabilize in the Southeast Asian country.