Scandal-plagued S. Korea Buddhist elects uncontested leader

SEOUL: South Korea’s largest Buddhist denomination elected a new leader in an uncontested vote that did little to dispel anger following years of scandals including senior monks breaking celibacy vows, amassing huge wealth and gambling.

With more than 3,000 temples, 13,000 monks and seven million followers, the Jogye Order is followed by most of South Korea’s Buddhists and is highly influential in a country where religion remains a powerful social force. But it has long been dogged by corruption allegations and factional feuds that often make the headlines. The order elected a new president named Wonhaeng. But he stood uncontested after three rivals boycotted the ballot.

The rivals accused a powerful and scandaltainted former president named Jaseung of unfairly pulling strings in favour of Wonhaeng. Jaseung’s eight-year leadership of the sect, which ended in 2017, was marred by allegations of corruption, gambling and broken celibacy.

His successor Seoljeong then resigned last month after just nine months in office amid allegations that he forged his academic credentials, amassed vast wealth and fathered a child.

Representatives from from 26 pro-reform groups rallied outside the Jogye denomination’s headquarters in central Seoul, calling for the cancellation of the leadership vote.

“This election has already become null and void with the resignation of the three other candidates”, the group said in a statement, adding that the 318member electoral college was acting like a rubber stamp for Jaseung.