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  • Kazakhstan ties constitutional reform to stability before vote
    Kazakhstan ties constitutional reform to stability before vote ASTANA, Kazakhstan, Aug. 23 (AJP) — The Kazakh government presented its constitutional overhaul to foreign correspondents as a way of protecting stability rather than disturbing it, a day before voters choose the country's first single-chamber parliament. Arman Issetov, deputy minister of foreign affairs, made the argument on Saturday (local time) at a briefing for journalists on a press tour covering the election, held at a hotel in Astana on Saturday afternoon. Polling stations open Sunday at 7 a.m. local time and close at 8 p.m. "Stability does not mean the absence of change," Issetov said. In today's world, he said, it requires the state to adapt to new circumstances in good time. He placed the reform against a shifting external picture, describing an international system that is becoming more complex and less predictable. Geopolitical tensions are rising, he said, trade and economic links are changing, and competition is intensifying over investment, technology and transport routes. Kazakhstan sits at the heart of Eurasia and maintains friendly relations with all countries around the world, he said, and for a country in that position political and economic stability are its most vital national resources. Most of what he said concerned domestic machinery rather than diplomacy. His central claim was that a growing economy has outpaced the institutions meant to govern it. The more complex the economy becomes, he said, the more effective state institutions have to be, and the larger the volume of private enterprise and investment, the more legislation has to be predictable and public administration competent. He cited growth of 6.5 percent at the end of 2025, attributing it to industry, construction, transport and investment activity, alongside government work on industrial production, logistics routes and the digital economy. That figure has not held. The Bureau of National Statistics, the same agency behind the 2025 result, recorded growth of 3.0 percent in the first quarter of this year and 4.1 percent in the first half. Issetov said the reform was not change for its own sake, and that its purpose was to bring political institutions into line with modern Kazakhstan. The goal, he said, is for state institutions to deal more effectively with what touches people directly, among it job creation, income growth, regional development, the quality of education and health care, infrastructure, openings for entrepreneurs and social protection. Voters choose all 145 seats of the Kurultai, the chamber that replaced the Mazhilis and the Senate when the new constitution took effect July 1. Seven parties are fielding 545 candidates in a single nationwide district, and seats go only to lists that clear five percent of valid votes. Self-nomination is not allowed. The Central Election Commission has registered 12,605,788 voters. Adilet holds first place on the ballot with 186 candidates, more than double any rival list. Registered on June 1, it absorbed Amanat, which took 53.9 percent in 2023 and held the largest bloc in the Mazhilis, after congresses of both parties approved the merger in June. The constitution behind the change was approved in a referendum on March 15, with the Central Election Commission (CEC) putting support at 87.15 percent on turnout of 73.12 percent. Issetov spoke as a deputy minister rather than for the presidency, and his remarks tracked the case President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has made in public, that the vote opens a new cycle of reform. He closed by saying the government wanted to preserve what he called Kazakhstan's greatest achievement, its stability and its capacity for development, while building a political system fitted to what the country needs next. 2026-08-23 09:09:07
  • Magnitude 3.1 Earthquake Strikes Haenam, South Korea; No Impact on Nuclear Plant
    Magnitude 3.1 Earthquake Strikes Haenam, South Korea; No Impact on Nuclear Plant Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power reported that a magnitude 3.1 earthquake occurred at 6:43 a.m. on August 23, 2026, in a region 21 kilometers northwest of Haenam, South Jeolla Province. The company stated that there was no impact on the nuclear power plants.All operational nuclear plants are functioning normally, and the seismic measurements recorded at these facilities were confirmed to be below the earthquake alert threshold of 0.01g.The epicenter of the earthquake was located at a latitude of 34.66 degrees north and a longitude of 126.40 degrees, with a depth of 21 kilometers.As of 7:15 a.m., the fire department received one report each from Masan-ri in Haenam and Paengjin-ri in Sinan, indicating that residents felt the tremors. No damage reports have been received.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-23 08:56:00
  • Former Bongeunsa Temple Abbot Myungjin Passes Away at 76 in Jeju Accident
    Former Bongeunsa Temple Abbot Myungjin Passes Away at 76 in Jeju Accident Myungjin, the former abbot of Bongeunsa Temple, passed away on August 22 after an accident at sea near Seogwipo, Jeju. He was 76 years old and had served as an abbot for 52 years.Myungjin was rescued floating in the water at approximately 9:38 a.m. near Haye Port in Seogwipo. According to the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and local authorities, he was in cardiac arrest at the time of rescue and was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10:28 a.m. His remains were moved to Seogwipo Medical Center.The Coast Guard suspects that Myungjin was practicing freediving when the accident occurred, based on the equipment he was wearing at the time of the incident. Friends reported that he had been freediving annually and was engaged in the activity on the morning of his accident.In other news, trade negotiations between the United States and Canada have ended without an agreement, leading to the implementation of new tariffs announced by President Donald Trump.According to reports from AP and AFP on August 21, U.S. Trade Representative Jamie Grier confirmed the breakdown of talks, stating that Canada refused to finalize the trade agreement based on conditions agreed upon earlier in the week.Previously, President Trump had warned that he would impose tariffs of up to 50% on Canadian imports, citing discrimination against U.S. products in the automotive, alcohol, and dairy sectors.The North American and Caribbean Football Confederation (CONCACAF) and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) are reportedly discussing the establishment of a unified Nations League, aiming for a launch in the fall of 2028.According to a report by Yonhap, ESPN stated on August 22 that the two confederations have been collaborating more closely than ever and are in talks about creating this new league.In April, the two organizations signed a memorandum of understanding to promote the development of players, coaches, referees, and administrators, which has led to discussions about the unified Nations League.If established, this league would create a new international competition where North American and European countries could regularly compete against each other.A U.S. federal court has ruled against the Trump administration's suspension of immigration visas for 75 countries, determining that the Department of State's actions violated federal immigration law.The New York Times reported on August 21 that Judge Janet Vargas of the Manhattan federal court invalidated the visa issuance restrictions imposed by the State Department.The court found that the policy exceeded the legal authority granted to the Secretary of State. It also noted that there was insufficient evidence to support the administration's claim that immigrants from these 75 countries would impose a financial burden on U.S. citizens. Furthermore, the court criticized the blanket restriction on visa issuance based solely on nationality, which contradicted the intent of existing immigration laws that require individual assessments of applicants.AI company Anthropic is reportedly pursuing an initial public offering (IPO) with a target valuation of $2 trillion. If successful, this would surpass SpaceX's record IPO.According to a report by Yonhap, citing the New York Times on August 21, Anthropic's underwriters have been discussing plans to raise over $100 billion from potential investors.The company's valuation is projected to reach as high as $2 trillion, exceeding SpaceX's valuation of $1.77 trillion at the time of its IPO in June, which raised $85.7 billion.President Lee Jae-myung is inviting leaders and members of the ruling Democratic Party to the Blue House ahead of the September regular National Assembly session.This initiative is seen as a move to enhance communication between the party and the government and to solidify legislative cooperation on key national agenda items.Chief Spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung announced that President Lee plans to host a luncheon for Democratic Party lawmakers at the Blue House on August 28.Democratic lawmakers will attend a two-day workshop in Incheon starting August 27 in preparation for the regular session, after which they will move to the Blue House. Most members are expected to participate due to the timing of the event.Prior to this, President Lee will have dinner with the new Democratic Party leadership, including Representative Kim Min-seok, on August 25. This marks a series of official communication events between the party and the government since the new leadership took office.Japan's government is expected to request a budget exceeding 130 trillion yen (approximately $1.13 trillion) for the fiscal year 2027, marking the first time this threshold has been surpassed.The increase in the budget request is attributed to expanded investments in new growth sectors, increased defense spending, and rising interest burdens on government bonds, leading to a likelihood of setting a new record for the fourth consecutive year.Each ministry's budget request for fiscal year 2027 is anticipated to exceed 130 trillion yen, compared to the previous year's request of 122 trillion yen (approximately $1.06 trillion).The increase is influenced by the government's decision to impose no effective cap on investments in new growth areas. Support for advanced industries such as artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors, along with defense spending, is expected to rise. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is requesting 7.7 trillion yen (approximately $67 billion), with about 4.5 trillion yen (approximately $39 billion) allocated for AI and semiconductor development.China is expanding its humanoid robot competition to validate the practical applications of robots in industrial and everyday settings. This year, the event will include not only running and soccer but also scenarios based on real work environments such as hotels, libraries, and emergency services to test the robots' operational capabilities.The second World Humanoid Robot Games opened at the National Speed Skating Hall in Beijing and will run until August 26.This year's competition features 666 teams and 2,056 humanoid robots from 16 countries across six continents. A total of 1,301 matches will be held across 51 events, with participation increasing by 138% compared to last year, and the number of robots nearly quadrupling.Notably, the proportion of scenario-based events has significantly increased this year. Out of the 51 events, 30 are competitive events, while 21 are scenario-based, up from just six last year. These scenario events focus on practical applications in industries, hotels, homes, and logistics, evaluating the robots' efficiency, accuracy, and reliability in tasks such as assembly, material handling, household services, firefighting, and library organization.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-23 00:12:00
  • Koreas first Arctic container voyage gets underway from Busan
    Korea's first Arctic container voyage gets underway from Busan SEOUL, August 22 (AJP) - A South Korean container ship departed Busan on Saturday night for a trial voyage through the Arctic, marking the country's first such journey by a container vessel. The PanStar Acro left Busan New Port at around 9 p.m., according to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. The voyage marks South Korea's first Arctic route trial by any vessel in a decade and its first involving a container ship. The 2,758-TEU vessel, operated by Busan-based PanStar Line Dot Com, is expected to enter the Northern Sea Route around Aug. 30 and pass through Arctic waters around Sept. 7. It will call at Felixstowe in Britain on Sept. 9, Rotterdam in the Netherlands on Sept. 11 and Gdansk in Poland on Sept. 15 before returning to Busan via the same Arctic route around Oct. 5. The entire voyage is expected to take about 45 days, including roughly 6,400 kilometers of navigation through Arctic waters. The PanStar Acro, purchased from South Korean shipping giant HMM, is an ice-class vessel capable of operating in polar waters. It is carrying 737 TEUs of cargo, including chemicals, used vehicles and auto parts, with the total load reaching 837 TEUs when empty containers are included. More than 20 crew members are aboard the ship. Its captain and navigation officers have completed specialized training for polar operations, while a navigator with Arctic sailing experience aboard South Korea's icebreaker Araon is serving as chief officer. The ministry said it will maintain a 24-hour communication system with the vessel throughout the voyage. "The Arctic waters are still in the process of thawing and are not completely open yet, but we expect them to be fully navigable by the time we arrive," Capt. Seo Myung-won told reporters before departure. "If that is not the case, we plan to take an alternative route," Seo said, adding that the crew will receive real-time ice charts and weather information to support navigation decisions. Seo said the crew had also undergone intensive survival training for polar conditions, adding that the trial voyage could provide "a good opportunity for Busan to establish itself as a global maritime hub." The government is using the voyage to assess the commercial viability and safety of the Northern Sea Route as it seeks to develop a shorter shipping corridor between South Korea and Europe and eventually establish regular Arctic services by 2030. 2026-08-22 21:56:32
  • South Korean Container Ship First to Navigate Arctic Route
    South Korean Container Ship First to Navigate Arctic Route South Korea's first container ship has embarked on a trial navigation of the Arctic route. This marks the first time a South Korean vessel has undertaken such a journey since 2016, and it is the first container ship to operate on this route.According to Yonhap News Agency, citing the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the Fanstar Acro departed from Busan New Port around 9 p.m. on August 22, heading towards Europe.The voyage is expected to last approximately 45 days. The Fanstar Acro will enter the Northeast Passage on August 30 and is scheduled to pass through the Arctic waters on September 7. It will make stops in Felixstowe, England, on September 9, Rotterdam, Netherlands, on September 11, and Gdansk, Poland, on September 15, before returning to Busan on October 5. The distance covered in the Arctic Ocean is about 6,400 kilometers.The Arctic route has opened as a new shipping lane due to climate change, which has rapidly reduced the area of Arctic sea ice, providing the shortest route between Asia and Europe.Prior to departure, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries showcased the loading process of the Fanstar Acro. The vessel, a 2,758 TEU container ship, was acquired by the Busan-based shipping company Fanstar Line from HMM. One TEU represents one 20-foot container.The Fanstar Acro is equipped for ice navigation. It is carrying 737 TEU of cargo, including chemicals, used cars, and automotive parts. Including empty containers, the total load amounts to 837 TEU.There are about 20 crew members on board. The captain and navigators have completed specialized training for operations in polar regions. A navigator from the icebreaker Araon, who has experience in polar navigation, is also on board as the chief mate to assist the captain.The Ministry plans to maintain a 24-hour communication system with the Fanstar Acro throughout the voyage.According to Captain Seo Myung-won, the Arctic region is experiencing ice melting, but it is not fully open yet. However, it is expected that the ice will have melted by the time the Fanstar Acro arrives.Captain Seo stated, “If that is not the case, we plan to take an alternate route.” He expressed confidence that real-time access to ice charts and weather services would facilitate decision-making without significant issues.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-22 21:44:00
  • Beijing Hosts Second World Humanoid Robot Games
    Beijing Hosts Second World Humanoid Robot Games China is expanding the World Humanoid Robot Games to validate the potential applications of humanoid robots in real-world industrial and daily settings. This year, the competition will not only include sports events like running and soccer but also increase the number of events set in actual work environments such as hotels, libraries, and emergency services to rigorously test the robots' operational capabilities.According to Yonhap News, the second World Humanoid Robot Games opened on August 22 at the National Speed Skating Hall in Beijing and will run until August 26.This year, 666 teams and 2,056 humanoid robots from 16 countries across six continents are participating. A total of 1,301 matches will take place across 51 events, marking a 138% increase in participating teams and a fourfold increase in the number of robots compared to last year.Notably, the proportion of scenario-based events, which simulate real work environments, has significantly increased. Out of the 51 events, 30 are competitive events, while 21 are scenario-based. The number of scenario events has more than tripled from six last year.These scenario events focus on practical applications in industries, hotels, homes, and logistics. They will assess robots' efficiency, accuracy, and reliability in tasks such as assembly, material handling, household services, firefighting, and library organization.This year, some competitions will take place in actual settings rather than just in simulated environments. In Beijing's Chaoyang District, events in four categories—firefighting, hotel services, library management, and household services—will be conducted at real firefighting facilities, hotels, school libraries, and residential spaces. The Beijing city government explained that this approach aims to evaluate robots' capabilities in environmental awareness, task decomposition, and collaboration among hand, eye, and brain functions, rather than just performance metrics.Additionally, events testing the precision capabilities of robotic hands have been enhanced. Robots will perform tasks such as measuring powder, picking up beans with tweezers, and opening bottle caps. The Beijing government views this as a process to validate the 'last 1 meter' of capabilities needed for humanoids to be deployed in real-world settings.This shift reflects Beijing's strategy to utilize the robot games as a testing ground for verifying the practical industrial applications of humanoid technology beyond mere technical competitions. The Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology has defined this year's event as a platform to showcase innovations in humanoid technology while promoting real-world applications and technological exchanges.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-22 21:24:00
  • Russia Drone Strikes Ukrainian Shopping Mall, Killing 16; Zelensky Promises Revenge
    Russia Drone Strikes Ukrainian Shopping Mall, Killing 16; Zelensky Promises Revenge Russia launched two drone attacks on a shopping mall in the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, resulting in at least 16 deaths and 130 injuries. Controversy has arisen as Ukrainian officials claim the second attack targeted rescuers who arrived on the scene after the first strike caused a fire.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on August 21 that there would be "definite retaliation" for the attacks. He asserted that the first strike ignited a fire, and approximately 30 minutes later, a second attack was aimed at the emergency responders.Video footage verified by CNN shows a Russian drone hitting the shopping center, sending a massive fireball into the air, along with smoke from the earlier attack.Witnesses reported that smoke filled the shopping center, forcing people to evacuate, and fires broke out in various stores. There are also reports of missing individuals trapped in the debris, raising the possibility of an increased death toll.According to local authorities in Kryvyi Rih, among the 130 injured, at least 29 are in serious condition. CNN reported that a 14-year-old girl suffered traumatic brain injuries, and four other children were among the injured.This attack occurred amid ongoing Russian airstrikes in Ukraine. On August 22, a warehouse in the Darnytskyi district of Kyiv was hit, resulting in one death and several injuries. In southern Zaporizhzhia, a Russian drone struck a minibus, killing one man and injuring four others. Casualties were also reported in Odesa, Kharkiv, Sumy, and Kherson.Just a day before the Kryvyi Rih attack, Russia conducted large-scale strikes on Kyiv and surrounding areas, resulting in at least 17 deaths, according to Ukrainian sources.Civilian casualties have significantly increased recently. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission reported that at least 437 Ukrainian civilians were killed last month, a 70% increase compared to a year ago, marking the highest level in nearly four years since May 2022.Ukraine is struggling to respond effectively to Russian airstrikes, partly due to a lack of air defense systems. CNN noted that Ukraine is facing a severe shortage of U.S.-made Patriot missiles capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.Ukraine is also expanding its attacks targeting Russian territory. On the night of the attacks, Ukrainian forces struck a refinery in Novokuibyshevsk in Samara Oblast and a logistics hub for Ozon, known as the "Russian Amazon." The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted over 450 Ukrainian drones.As both sides remain in a stalemate, the use of long-range drones and missiles is increasing, leading to greater civilian casualties.Meanwhile, the Russian government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the attack on the Kryvyi Rih shopping center.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-22 20:48:00
  • Lottery Ticket Purchased During Date Wins First Prize
    Lottery Ticket Purchased During Date Wins First Prize "While on a date with my boyfriend, we passed a lottery store. He bought a lotto ticket, and I purchased 5,000 won worth of pension lottery tickets."On August 22, interest is growing in the winning numbers for the 1238th Donghaeng Lottery, while the story of a winner from the 234th Pension Lottery 720+ has captured attention.In a post on the Donghaeng Lottery winners' bulletin board, the winner of the 1st prize (1 ticket) and 2nd prizes (4 tickets) shared, "I usually buy 5,000 won worth of pension lottery tickets once or twice a month when I see a lottery store. One day, while on a date with my boyfriend, we passed a lottery store where he bought a lotto ticket, and I purchased 5,000 won worth of pension lottery tickets."The winner recalled, "Later, during our next date, I remembered the tickets I bought and checked the winning numbers in front of the store. To my surprise, I had won both the 1st and 2nd prizes. My heart raced, and to calm down, we went to a café to have some warm tea."He added, "After calming down, I double-checked to confirm that I had really won, and when it sank in, I was overjoyed."When asked what type of lottery tickets he usually buys, the winner, who purchased the tickets at a lottery store in the Seodaemun District of Seoul, replied, "I only buy pension lottery tickets once or twice a month."Regarding plans for the prize money, he stated, "I don’t have any plans yet."Meanwhile, the winning numbers for the 1238th Donghaeng Lottery will be available for checking after 8:35 PM today (22nd).* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-22 20:28:00
  • Will Monday Bring Another Surge? Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix Face Market Influences
    Will Monday Bring Another Surge? Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix Face Market Influences The domestic stock market next week is poised for significant fluctuations due to several major factors. Anticipation surrounding shareholder returns from semiconductor giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, the Bank of Korea's interest rate decision, NVIDIA's earnings report, and the Jackson Hole economic policy symposium are all on the agenda.Particularly noteworthy is SK Hynix's recent announcement of a large-scale stock buyback and cancellation, which could continue to bolster semiconductor stocks next week.SK Hynix's 40 Trillion Won Stock Buyback: How Far Will the Shareholder Return Effect Reach?On August 19, SK Hynix's board of directors decided to acquire and cancel approximately 40 trillion won worth of its own shares, marking the largest stock buyback and cancellation in the history of South Korean listed companies.The company's new shareholder return policy states that it will return more than 50% of its free cash flow (FCF) from 2025 to 2027 to shareholders. Analysts believe this stock cancellation will reduce the number of shares outstanding, thereby increasing per-share value and earnings per share (EPS).Following the announcement of its substantial shareholder return, SK Hynix's stock has shown strength, with Samsung Electronics also rising amid growing expectations for shareholder returns. On August 21, Samsung Electronics closed at 281,500 won, up 3.87% from the previous trading day, while SK Hynix finished at 1,730,000 won, up 2.31%.Thus, a key point of interest for the domestic stock market next week will be whether Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix can continue to drive the KOSPI's upward trend.Is Samsung Electronics Next? Anticipation Reflected in Stock PricesWith SK Hynix unveiling its unprecedented 40 trillion won shareholder return, market attention has naturally shifted to Samsung Electronics.There are growing expectations that Samsung Electronics will hold a board meeting this month to announce a new shareholder return plan, including special dividends.Currently, Samsung Electronics is utilizing 50% of its free cash flow for shareholder returns under its policy for 2024 to 2026. As this year marks the final year of the existing policy, market interest in a new shareholder return strategy has intensified.Some reports suggest that the new shareholder return could reach around 100 trillion won. However, this remains speculative, and the actual scale and method will need to be confirmed by Samsung Electronics' official announcement.Investors should focus not just on whether the news is positive or negative, but on how much of the anticipation has already been priced into the stock.Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have both seen significant short-term gains due to expectations of shareholder returns. If additional good news emerges, it could lead to profit-taking if the market has already priced in much of the positive sentiment.Bank of Korea's Monetary Policy Meeting on August 27: Interest Rates as a VariableNext week’s schedule is not solely focused on semiconductor stocks.The Bank of Korea's Monetary Policy Committee will decide on interest rates on August 27. The current benchmark rate stands at 2.75%. The challenge is that market expectations are not uniform.Some institutions predict that the benchmark rate will remain unchanged, while others foresee a potential 0.25 percentage point increase due to household debt and inflation concerns.From an investor's perspective, understanding that expectations for rate cuts generally lead to a positive stock market, while concerns about rate hikes create pressure, is crucial.Particularly, rising interest rates can be relatively burdensome for growth and technology stocks, so it will be important to observe how already surging semiconductor stocks react to the interest rate decision.NVIDIA's Earnings and Jackson Hole: The U.S. as the Final VariableLater next week, there will be events that could shake both domestic and international markets.NVIDIA is set to announce its second-quarter earnings for the 2027 fiscal year on August 26. The company has officially confirmed the schedule for its earnings report and conference call.NVIDIA's earnings are significant because they are seen as a signal that the enthusiasm for AI investment continues, which could positively influence semiconductor investment sentiment.Conversely, if the results fall short of market expectations or if future projections weaken, it could negatively impact not only U.S. tech stocks but also domestic semiconductor stocks.Will the Market Rise or Fall Next Week?Based on the current situation, there is a slightly greater likelihood of an upward trend, but it is reasonable to expect considerable volatility next week.SK Hynix's 40 trillion won stock buyback and cancellation is a rare and powerful shareholder return measure in the domestic market. Coupled with the anticipation of additional shareholder returns from Samsung Electronics, investor sentiment towards large-cap semiconductor stocks may revive.However, given that Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have already risen significantly in a short period, the possibility of profit-taking should also be considered.Ultimately, the key question for the stock market next week will not be whether there is good news, but rather how much the good news exceeds market expectations.If NVIDIA's earnings meet market expectations and the Bank of Korea's interest rate decision signals a more accommodative stance than feared, there is potential for an upward trend centered around semiconductor stocks.Conversely, if NVIDIA's results or outlook disappoint or if concerns about interest rate hikes grow, profit-taking may occur, particularly among recently surging semiconductor stocks.However, rather than definitively predicting the rise or fall of specific stocks, it is essential to keep an open mind regarding both the potential for further gains and the possibility of profit-taking among recently surging semiconductor stocks.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-22 20:12:00
  • The Legacy of Two Buddhist Monks: Myung-jin and Ja-seung
    The Legacy of Two Buddhist Monks: Myung-jin and Ja-seung Myung-jin has passed away. Myung-jin, who served as the head monk of Bongeunsa Temple and advocated for reform within the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, died in the waters off Jeju Island on August 22, 2026. He was 76 years old and had been a monk for 52 years. It is presumed that he suffered an accident while enjoying free diving, as he entered the water after taking a deep breath, never to return to the surface. This is truly a tragic and heartbreaking event. Upon hearing the news of Myung-jin's passing, I was reminded of another figure: Ja-seung, who served as the head of the Jogye Order's General Affairs for two terms. Ja-seung passed away in November 2023 in a fire at the Yojangsa Temple in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province. He was 69 years old. Although both monks lived through a significant era in Korean Buddhism, they walked very different paths and are now both gone from this world. During their lifetimes, the two monks stood at the sharpest opposing points within Korean Buddhism. One criticized the politicization and power dynamics of the order, while the other exercised strong leadership as the highest administrative authority of Korea's largest Buddhist sect. Notably, during the Lee Myung-bak administration, conflicts surrounding Bongeunsa Temple and the management of the Jogye Order escalated into public confrontations that the entire Korean society observed. Myung-jin openly criticized the relationship between the order's power and political authority, often targeting Ja-seung and the leadership of the time. The conflict persisted for years. In 2017, Myung-jin faced severe disciplinary action from the Jogye Order, which cited reasons such as damaging the honor of the order and its executive body. Myung-jin countered that he was being punished for criticizing the immorality and wrongdoings within the order. Eventually, he won a legal battle, and after a long dispute, the issue of his monk status was resolved. However, what does all of this mean now? There is no longer a head of the General Affairs, nor a head monk at Bongeunsa. The power of the order has dissipated, and there are no opposing factions. There are no winners or losers. Ja-seung is gone, and Myung-jin is gone. All that remains is the fact that the two lived fiercely during the same era. Here, we are prompted to reflect on the most fundamental questions that Buddhism poses to humanity. Why do we fight so fiercely? Buddhism teaches us to be wary of greed, hatred, and ignorance, known as the three poisons. The desire for more, the anger and hatred we harbor, and the inability to see things as they truly are. Monks shave their heads and enter the monastic life to rid themselves of these three poisons. Yet, people live in temples. When people gather, organizations form, and with organizations comes power. Power brings positions and interests, and greed, anger, and ignorance seep into those realms. A practitioner who has left the secular world is not automatically free from human desires. Perhaps ordination is not a declaration that desire has vanished, but rather a vow to struggle against it for a lifetime. Thus, I do not wish to frame the long-standing conflict between the two monks as a victory or defeat for either side. To say that Myung-jin was entirely right or that Ja-seung was entirely wrong would not be Buddhist. The moment we assign absolute good or evil to humans, we begin another cycle of attachment. The Heart Sutra states, "Form is emptiness, emptiness is form." What we cling to—status, honor, money, power, victory, and even love and hate—are not eternal realities. They arise and dissipate according to conditions. The power I hold today is not truly mine, nor is the title people call me originally mine. The position of head of General Affairs is empty, and so is the position of head monk at Bongeunsa. The authority of the order is empty, and even the name of reform can become another attachment the moment we cling to it. However, the emptiness in Buddhism is not nihilism. Emptiness is form. Because we have emptied ourselves, we can embrace the world again, and because we have let go, we can love others again. Where I have emptied myself, others can enter, and where hatred has been emptied, compassion can arise. This is the paradox of wisdom. The Diamond Sutra goes a step further, stating, "One should not dwell anywhere but give rise to the mind there." This means not to cling to any place but to cultivate the mind from there. Reflecting on this teaching in light of the lives of the two monks, I wonder if Myung-jin did not become fixated on the definition of reform, and if Ja-seung did not become attached to the power and order of the order. And are we not also stuck in our judgments of 'Myung-jin is right and Ja-seung is wrong' or 'Ja-seung is right and Myung-jin is wrong'? The Diamond Sutra urges us to leave even that position behind. It also teaches, "All conditioned phenomena are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, shadows, like dew and lightning; one should view them like this." Everything that arises according to the conditions of the world is like a dream, an illusion, a bubble, and a shadow, and we are taught to see it this way. How profound are these words. The power we cling to throughout our lives is but a flash of lightning. Honor is like morning dew. Organizations are bubbles, and human relationships gather and disperse according to conditions. The authority of the head of General Affairs and the reputation of a reformer will become just a few lines in history books a hundred years from now. The vast worldview of the Flower Garland Sutra shows that all existence does not stand alone but exists interdependently. It is often summarized in the teaching, "All is created by the mind." When the mind is filled with hatred, the other becomes an enemy, and when compassion arises in the mind, yesterday's enemy can become today's ally. The Bodhisattva of the Lotus Sutra sees the potential for Buddhahood in everyone they meet and respects them. They do not only respect those who share their views but also seek to see the Buddha-nature even in those who insult or harm them. This is where the challenge of religion lies. It is easy to read scriptures. It is easy to memorize them. However, seeing the Buddha in someone who has attacked you is difficult. It is easy to speak of compassion in the temple, but hard to relinquish power. It is easy to preach non-attachment, but hard to let go of one's position and honor. It is easy to talk about emptiness, but truly emptying the thought of 'I am right' is incredibly difficult. This is not just a story for monks. It applies to pastors and priests, politicians, businesspeople, and journalists. It applies to all of us. As religion and organizations grow, we must be even more vigilant. If we speak of God while seeking power, talk of the Buddha while harboring hatred, and proclaim the truth while insisting we are right, religion can transform into the most un-religious organization at any moment. The lives and deaths of Myung-jin and Ja-seung may leave us with the greatest teaching here. The two fought fiercely. They envisioned different forms of Korean Buddhism. One called for reform, while the other led the order. It is up to future generations to determine which side's merits and faults will be recorded more prominently in history. However, death has placed both of them on the same level. Birth, aging, sickness, and death. The Buddha left the palace and set out on his journey because of these four words. In the face of the human fate of being born, aging, falling ill, and dying, there is no difference between a king and a beggar, a head of General Affairs and an ordinary monk. We can now imagine meeting the two monks in our minds. Ja-seung stands at a crossroads in the Nirvana he crossed first. Myung-jin, who left the waters of Jeju, follows that path. The two meet again. At first, they may gaze at each other for a moment. They were two who fought so fiercely while alive. But there is no General Affairs office there. There is no Bongeunsa. There are no council members or authority. There is no government or politics. There are no excommunications or reinstatements. There are no reporters to record who won. Only two practitioners remain. Ja-seung may first join his hands in prayer. "Myung-jin, have you arrived?" Myung-jin will also smile and join his hands. "You were here first." And that is the end. In that moment, the two may finally see how small the conflicts that lasted for decades in this life truly were. The person they hated so much was merely a fleeting connection, and the position they fought to protect was just a chair they borrowed for a moment. Thus, the final mantra of the Heart Sutra resonates even more profoundly today. "Gate, gate, paragate, parasamgate, bodhi svaha." Let us go, let us go. Let us go beyond that hill. Let us all cross over to Nirvana and attain enlightenment. We do not read this as a call to death. We interpret it as a call to cross from greed to compassion, from anger to forgiveness, and from ignorance to wisdom. It is a call to move from 'I' to 'we,' from power to service, and from attachment to freedom. Myung-jin has gone. Ja-seung has gone. We too will eventually go. So, while we are alive, what are we clinging to so tightly, what are we hating so deeply, and why do we leave such profound wounds on each other? The greatness of religion does not lie in grand temples, high positions, or numerous followers. The reason for the existence of religion is to reduce human greed, calm anger, and break ignorance, making one a little more free and compassionate. Isn't that the path the Buddha left for us 2,500 years ago? Form is emptiness, emptiness is form. Existence is emptiness, and from emptiness, life arises again. Now, let us also let go of the long-standing dispute between the two monks. Let history record who was right, and let us lay down our own greed, hatred, and ignorance before the spirits of these two practitioners. And may the two now join their hands in prayer for each other. Myung-jin, Ja-seung. If there is any reconciliation left undone in this life, may it be fulfilled there. Gate, gate. Let us go, let us go. Let us cross over that hill. And finally, let us meet again in the freedom of Nirvana, where there is no hatred, no resentment, and no power.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-22 20:00:00