Monk Myeongjin, critic of MB government, dies in Jeju sea accident

Monk Myeongjin, a former chief monk of Seoul's Bongeunsa Temple and a vocal critic of the Lee Myung-bak administration, has passed away at the age of 76. His death was confirmed on Tuesday after he was found floating in the sea near Haye Port in Seogwipo, Jeju Island.

Authorities estimate the incident occurred during freediving practice, and an investigation into the exact cause is underway. Monk Myeongjin was rescued from the water around 9:38 a.m. and transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10:28 a.m. His remains were moved to the Seogwipo Medical Center.

Born in 1950, Monk Myeongjin entered the Buddhist order in 1969 and was ordained in 1974. He played a key role in the Jogye Order's reform efforts in 1994 and held significant positions, including a term as chief monk of Bongeunsa Temple from 2006 to 2010. During his tenure, he was known for his sharp criticism of the then-Secretary-General of the Jogye Order, Ja Seung, and the government led by President Lee Myung-bak, which led to him being subjected to illegal civilian surveillance by the National Intelligence Service.

Following conflicts with the Jogye Order's leadership over issues like Bongeunsa Temple's direct management status, Monk Myeongjin was stripped of his monastic status in 2017. However, he won lawsuits challenging the disciplinary action, and his monastic status was eventually restored earlier this year after both parties decided not to appeal to the Supreme Court. He also served in the Vietnam War.