Cheong Wa Dae chief visits Jogye Order head, pledges cooperation on meditation and culture

Im Gwang-hyeon, chief of staff at Cheong Wa Dae, visited Jogyesa temple in Seoul on Wednesday to meet Ven. Jinwoo, head of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, reaffirming the government's commitment to close cooperation with the Buddhist community.

Cheong Wa Dae Deputy Spokesperson Ahn Gwi-ryeong said in a written briefing that day that Im had visited Jogyesa that morning to call on Ven. Jinwoo.

Im extended congratulations on behalf of the president and the government, saying, "I offer my congratulations to Ven. Jinwoo on his re-election." Ven. Jinwoo replied that Im had taken on a weighty responsibility, adding, "If you support the president's governance direction and policies well from the president's side, the public will also feel at ease."

Im expressed gratitude for Ven. Jinwoo's leadership during the previous term, crediting him with stable management of the order and promoting social harmony. Im specifically thanked Ven. Jinwoo for contributions in three areas: promoting public mental health and popularizing "Seon meditation," advancing outreach to youth and future generations, and fostering social cohesion.

Im also conveyed the government's intention to support the Buddhist community and pursue mutual cooperation. "The government will actively cooperate not only in preserving and passing down traditional cultural heritage, but also in the Buddhist community's Seon meditation and cultural projects," Im said, calling on Ven. Jinwoo to continue lending wisdom and dedication to the advancement of Korean Buddhism and the well-being of the nation.

Ven. Jinwoo urged the government to develop policies to address the emotional difficulties many people are experiencing. "We must create policies that can heal the emotional hardships the public is going through for various reasons," Ven. Jinwoo said, asking that the government listen to religious leaders and voices from all walks of life.

Cheong Wa Dae said it plans to use Im's visit to the Jogye Order as a starting point for a series of meetings with prominent religious figures, signaling a broader effort to open dialogue with various sectors of society in support of state affairs.