The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, South Korea’s largest Buddhist order, has honored the popular singer and actor Lee Seung-gi in recognition of his contributions to Korean Buddhism by helping to spread Buddhist values. In a ceremony held on 5 May, when Korean Buddhists held observances to mark the birth of the historical Buddha, Ven. Jinwoo, secretary general of the Jogye Order, presented Lee with the “Bulja Grand Prize”—the Best Buddhist Follower Award for 2025—and a plaque of appreciation at Jogyesa Temple, the Jogye Order’s headquarters in downtown Seoul.

Lee, 38, one of South Korea’s highest-paid and most recognized celebrities, played the role of a Buddhist monk in the 2024 comedy-drama movie 대가족 (About Family), which follows the story of Ham Mu-ok, owner of a 38-year-old dumpling restaurant, who is worried that his business and family line might come to an end after his son, played by Lee Seung-gi, is ordained as a Buddhist monk. Matters then take an unexpected turn when two children claiming to be Ham’s grandchildren, whom he never knew existed, suddenly enter his life.

“Lee Seung-gi has actively promoted Buddhism to the public, serving as the host for the 2024 International Meditation Conference National Music Festival, and he even shaved his head for his role as a monk in the film [About Family], drawing public empathy for Buddhist sentiments.” the Jogye Order noted. “Furthermore, he contributed 100 million won [US$70,000] to the Jogye Order’s architectural project ‘Building for a Thousand Years,’ participating in the promotion of Buddhism.” (Chosun Biz)

The Jogye Order is a school of Seon (Zen) Buddhism that traces its roots back 1,200 years to the Unified Silla (also known as the Later Silla) kingdom (668–935). The Jogye school as a distinct entity emerged in the late 11th century when the monk Bojo Jinul, credited as the school’s founder, sought to combine Seon practices with the theological underpinnings of sutra-based Buddhist schools, including Korean Pure Land Buddhism. The order now represents the largest segment of South Korea’s Buddhist population, administering about 1,900 active temples, more than 13,000 monastics, and seven million lay followers nationwide. Jogyesa serves as the main temple and administrative center for the Jogye Order.

Lee’s award from the Jogye Order’s Layperson Award Selection Committee also acknowledged his participation in various other Buddhist events and his efforts to promote Buddhist values. The Jogye order remarked that they demonstrated Lee’s commitment to integrating his spiritual values into his personal and professional life

The Jogye Order presents the award to exemplary Buddhists who have helped to elevate the status of Korean Buddhism by practicing the teachings of the Buddha. The event was also attended by the chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea, Lee Jae-myung, who congratulated Lee on his award.

Originally a Christian, Lee converted to Buddhism when he decided to marry actress Lee Da-in, who comes from a devout Buddhist family, in 2023. He is reported to have embraced Buddhist practices, including using prayer beads presented to him by his mother-in-law, actress Gyeon Mi-ri. Lee also received the Dharma name “Dawon” from a Buddhist monk.

According to Survey data from 2024, the majority of South Korea’s population—50.7 per cent—holds no religious affiliation. Christians make up the largest religious segment of the population at 31.3 per cent, while Buddhists account for 17 per cent.

See more

Buddha’s birthday celebration (Yonhap News Agency)
Lee Seung-gi receives 2025 Buddhist award amid in-law’s legal troubles (Chosun Biz)
Lee Seung-gi wins Buddhist Award amid family legal troubles and decides to sever ties with in-laws (Chosun Biz)
Lee Seung-gi receives Buddhist award amid family estrangement, remains committed to his faith (The Korea Times)
About Family (2024) 대가족 Movie Trailer 2 | EONTALK (YouTube)
Large family (movie) (namuwiki)

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