Harmony vs. beats: South Korean DJ 'monk' barred from performing in Singapore

Youn Sung-ho, a South Korean DJ "monk" known by the moniker NewJeansNim, will no longer be allowed to perform in Singapore, announced the nation's interior minister K. Shanmugam on Wednesday (May 22).

A monk dropping beats

Youn, a comedian-turned-musician, has gained popularity among young South Koreans by blending Buddhist wisdom and life advice for Gen-Z with his music. However, his unconventional approach, which has revived Buddhism's popularity among the youth, has not been without controversy.

Sung-ho was scheduled to perform at a nightclub in Singapore. However, his act has been deemed potentially harmful to religious harmony under the city's strict laws.

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Interior Minister K. Shanmugam confirmed on Facebook that the nightclub owners have been informed of the consequences should the performance proceed and have agreed to cancel the event.

"Police have told the nightclub owners that action will be taken if the performance proceeds. They understood our position, and have agreed to cooperate."

"This news has come out on Vesak Day, an unfortunate coincidence," Shanmugam noted, referencing the holy Buddhist holiday.

"But the Buddhist community, (like other communities) knows that the Government will take firm action, in respect of such things," he added.

Cancellation after cancellation

Earlier this month, the 'monk' DJ performed in Muslim-majority Malaysia, home to a significant Buddhist minority. His performance led to a similar response. After his show earlier this month, local Buddhists filed police complaints, prompting the cancellation of a subsequent gig scheduled for later in May.

Despite these regional setbacks, Youn enjoys robust support in South Korea. Fans and the president of the country's largest Buddhist sect, the Jogye Order, have encouraged him to continue his performances, viewing his unique style as a way to engage younger audiences with Buddhism.

In fact, as per AFP, 'NewJeansNim' the name under which he performs was bestowed upon Youn by a senior monk. While Youn is not ordained, the moniker is a mash-up of "Seunim", a respectful Korean title for Buddhist monks and other devotional words.

(With inputs from agencies)