People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk has apologized for bowing instead of putting his hands together in a Buddhist greeting when he visited the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. The apology came a month after his visit on September 22 to meet Ven. Jinwoo, the head of the Jogye Order. However, he did not apologize for his earlier remark, “Even martial law is part of God’s plan.” Despite continued criticism from the Buddhist community, he remains unmoved.
On the afternoon of the 21st, Jang revisited Bongeunsa Temple in Seoul’s Gangnam District to meet Ven. Jinwoo again. This time, he greeted the monk with hands folded and a full 90-degree bow — standing in stark contrast to his earlier refusal to make a Buddhist-style greeting at Jogyesa. As a Christian, Jang had previously responded to reporters asking why he did not join his hands, saying only, “I greeted him with sincerity.”
Ven. Jinwoo advised Jang during their meeting, saying, “It’s important for the opposition party to stay healthy. It’s best to act in ways that don’t offend the people.” He added, “No matter how good words or deeds may be, if used too frequently or too harshly, they can hurt someone and come back like a boomerang,” stressing the value of gentleness.
After their talk, Jang also took a commemorative photo with the monk, hands folded. He told reporters afterward that he came “to discuss whether there was any way the National Assembly could be of help or do some service,” explaining the purpose of his visit.
When asked whether he intended to apologize for bowing instead of joining his hands, Jang said, “Yes, if my shortcomings made anyone uncomfortable, I sincerely apologize.” He added, “Although I have a personal religion, politically I am not biased toward any particular faith.” He continued, “But if public perception leads to misunderstanding, I believe as a politician it’s my duty to clear up those misunderstandings.”
However, when questioned about his remark that “Even martial law is part of God’s plan,” Jang replied, “I’ve explained that multiple times already. I don’t think I need to say more,” refusing to apologize.
Last winter, Jang drew heavy criticism after attending a rally led by Rev. Son Hyun-bo of Busan’s Saeroro Church, a far-right Christian group called “Save Korea,” where he declared, “There is God’s plan in this martial law” and “God will lead us to victory.” During the party convention, he explained in a televised debate, “I’ve been a Christian for over 50 years. The Save Korea rally was a Christian gathering, and I spoke in a Biblical sense.” He elaborated further, “In times of difficulty or ease, good or bad, God is always at work in our history. It doesn’t mean that something is justified simply because it’s part of God’s plan.”
On September 14, Jang again stirred controversy after attending a worship service at Saeroro Church, saying of Rev. Son’s arrest, “Those who oppose God’s servant will face God’s judgment.”
On September 25, the Jogye Order’s Special Committee on Religious Bias and Defamation issued a statement titled “We Strongly Condemn the Religious Bias and Misleading Remarks of People Power Party Leader Jang Dong-hyuk,” demanding his apology, responsibility for inappropriate religious remarks, and measures to prevent further bias within the party.
He is someone who would do anything a Christian pastor told him to do.
Our country is founded on the principle of separation of religion and state.
How can these people — even just a faction among Christians — so freely speak the name of God in politics?
They should stop blaspheming God, correct their misguided faith, and if they truly love their religion so much, then they should not be in politics.
And those who lie as easily as breathing, hurting so many people and disgracing the Lord with their actions — aren’t they the real heretics?
There’s not even a trace of compassion for others in their hearts.