Jogye Order appoints new directors for administrative, planning bureaus

Jinwoo Sunim, head of the General Affairs Office of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, on Wednesday appointed Gusan Sunim as director of the General Affairs Bureau, Sangjun Sunim as director of the Planning Bureau, Cheolin Sunim as director of the Audit Bureau, Hyeonsu Sunim as director of the Missionary Bureau, Jinho Sunim as director of the Education Bureau, Jinjeong Sunim as director of the Welfare Bureau, Bogak Sunim as director of the Finance Bureau, Myeongwon Sunim as director of the Culture Bureau, Jaha Sunim as director of the Social Affairs Bureau, Hawon Sunim as director of the Archives Bureau, Yeongbeom Sunim as secretary-general of the Jogye Order Research Institute, Jinhyo Sunim as secretary-general of the Direct District Office, and Jeonggwan Sunim as secretary-general of the Future Headquarters.

Useung Sunim was named project director of the Korean Buddhist Cultural Projects Foundation, while Gwantae Sunim, Mugyeong Sunim and Mangyeong Sunim were appointed as standing inspectors of the Order Protection Division.

Hyeonmuk Sunim as secretary-general of the Buddhist Central Museum, Dongwon Sunim as chief of the Order Protection Division's protection section, Hyedam Sunim as standing inspector of the Order Protection Division, and Jinyong Sunim as secretary-general of the Lotus Lantern Festival were all retained in their posts.

"The bureau director positions at the General Affairs Office are the crown of the order's administrative work, offering direct exposure to both major and minor affairs of the order," Jinwoo Sunim said. "I ask each of you to carry out your duties with sincerity."

In response, General Affairs Bureau Director Gusan Sunim said, "We will faithfully fulfill our respective duties and strive to let each person bloom in their own place."

Jinwoo Sunim won the election for the 38th head of the General Affairs Office on Sept. 3, receiving 183 votes — a 57 percent share — out of 321 electors. He began his second four-year term on Sept. 28.