A South Korean dance music DJ called NewJeansNim has been bringing Buddhist teachings to excited party crowds in nightclubs.
Recently, he has gained popularity for his Buddhist-infused EDM music. However, with that popularity has come backlash from some believers and groups who think such a fusion is inappropriate.
‘Monk’ DJ
While not actually a Buddhist monk himself, NewJeansNim still looks exactly like one. He dresses in a gray robe and sports a shaved head while shouting encouraging messages over dance music.
“Put your hands up,” he said in Taiwan last month, pressing his palms together in a prayer position while jumping along to his music. “If you overcome suffering, you will live in paradise,” he shouted over his music in Seoul.
South Korean Entertainer
Yoon Seong-ho, the man behind NewJeansNim is a South Korean entertainer who got his start as a comedian. He eventually adopted his monk alter-ego, whose name is inspired by a Korean girl pop group called “NewJeans.”
He added the “Nim” at the end of his name, which is a commonly used honorific for Buddhist monks and nuns.
Division Among Buddhists
Buddhists across the world are divided on how to feel about NewJeansNim’s surge in popularity. He was slammed by the Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia for his “inappropriate” appearance.
Critics point out that he performs in places where alcohol and other drugs are served, and in places that host violations of Buddhist teachings that create a mockery of the faith.
Confusing the Public
The Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia (YBAM) thinks that NewJeansNim could confuse the public about Buddhism, ultimately doing more harm than good.
“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 holding palms together,” the group said in a Facebook statement.
Healthy Social Morality
In their statement, the YBAM is afraid that fusing religious elements will create misunderstandings, which will harm a healthy view of morality in the public.
“Modern society has its needs for creativity, entertainment, and humor, but its presentation must consider moderation, respect, religious sensitivities, and avoidance of causing misunderstandings about religion to build a healthy social morality,” the statement said.
Concert Backlash
After a May 3 concert in Kuala Lampu and a condemnation by the YBAM, NewJeansJim found himself dealing with a wave of backlash online.
Politician Wee Ka Siong, president of the political party Malaysian Chinese Association criticized the artist for his “diguise” as a monk which distorts Buddhist teachings and wanted authorities to prevent him from being able to enter Malaysia again.
Creating Desire
Some Buddhists follow strict rules that prevent the enjoyment of music and melody in entertainment, a sentiment shared by some other religions as well, including some Muslims.
“First and foremost. theravadan buddhist monks follow a more strict set of rules. one of them is to refrain from music/melody as they are pleasant and can cause them to be attached to the music. they should instead refrain from this as it creates desire,” said a Reddit User.
Net Positive
Although the performer received criticism from some Buddhists, others were more supportive, thinking what he does constitutes a net positive for spreading important Buddhist teachings.
“I’m a buddhist, i ve been a monk novice and i’ve studied theravada (sri langkan) buddhism before…Buddhist hymns are enjoyed by the buddhist community. people sing, go for buddhist concerts have buddhist carolling. is that part of buddhism? NO. but its still a net positive, it brings buddhists together. if you wanna criticize a dj for making buddhist music you should criticize all the people making buddhist music too,” said Reddit user Kamen Uncle.
Just Entertainment
Some Buddhists take issue with those promoting the backlash, saying they shouldn’t be taking these things so seriously.
“I am Buddhist, I don’t feel insulted or think he is disrespecting the religion. He’s just an entertainer. I think it’s creative as hell and he’s going to be super popular soon…I think all religions should chill out and not be offended easily,” said one Reddit user.
Malaysia Called Out
After NewJeanJim’s backlash in Malaysia, some questioned what the big deal was when he was not facing such intense pushback from other countries.
“Show was cancelled due to it. And he got booked in Hong Kong and China instead lol. if China, Japan and Korea dont have a problem with it. wtf malaysia has a problem with it?” a Reddit user wrote.
Glass Hearted People
Supporters of NewJeanJim see the critics as people who are too concerned with policing other people’s fun, a demographic that exists in every religion, not just Buddhism.
“So at the end of the day…it is really just old conservative glass hearted people who can’t mind their own business telling everyone else how to have fun, regardless of what religion,” a Reddit user said.
