▲ Venerable Jinwoo (left), head of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, poses for a commemorative photo after conferring the letter of appointment as the abbot of Haeil Temple to Venerable Hyeil on the 16th. Provided by the Jogye Order
Venerable Haeil, director of the Jogye Order of Education, has been appointed as the new abbot of Gyeongnap Hapcheon Haeinsa Temple, which has been at the center of controversy over sexual scandals and assaults within temples.
On the 16th, Venerable Jinwu, head of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, appointed a new head priest and said, “Haeinsa is an important headquarters as the head of the Buddhist temple among the head offices, but there have been unexpected difficulties recently.” I think it’s the personnel of the company,” he said.
Venerable Hyeil received Samigye in 1986 with the gift of Venerable Dogyeon, and served as a member of the Jogye Order’s Central Church, the head of the school management committee, the secretary general of the Central Church, the head of the planning office of the general affairs office, and the head of the culture department. He is regarded as one of the closest aides to Monk Jaseung, such as serving as the general guide of the Sangwol Seonwon, the predecessor of the Sangwol Association, a Buddhist organization founded by Monk Jaseung while he was the general secretary.
Venerable Haeil said, “I am sorry that I had to change my position before the results of the increase in the number of monks came out, and I apologize for causing concern to the director and Buddhists about the recent affairs related to Haeinsa Temple.” “I’m weak, but I’ll do my best to follow the director’s will and normalize Haeinsa as soon as possible,” he said.
Reporter Ryu Jae-min
