Myungjin, former Bongeunsa abbot, dies in Jeju freediving accident

Myungjin, the former abbot of Bongeunsa Temple and a prominent figure in the reform of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, passed away on August 22 at the age of 76. He was found unconscious in the waters near Haye Port in Seogwipo, Jeju Island, while practicing freediving. Despite being rushed to a hospital, he was pronounced dead shortly after.

Known as an ‘activist monk,’ Myungjin was a vocal critic of religious and political authorities. During his tenure as abbot of Bongeunsa (2006–2010), he advocated for financial transparency and social justice, which led to friction with the Jogye Order leadership and even illegal surveillance by the National Intelligence Service. Although his monastic status was revoked in 2017 due to conflicts with the order, he successfully regained it earlier this year following a legal battle.

The Jogye Order has announced that his funeral will be held as a religious and civil society funeral. A memorial service is being held at Bongeunsa in Seoul, with the funeral ceremony scheduled for August 25 and the cremation to take place at Beopjusa Temple. Tributes have been offered by various political and religious figures, noting his lifelong commitment to peace, democracy, and standing with the marginalized.