On October 27, the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism (President: Most Ven. Jinwoo) held a ceremony to commemorate the 46th anniversary of the October 27th Dharma Persecution in Mireuk Square at Bongeunsa Temple in Seoul. The event provided an opportunity to honor the victims who suffered at the hands of an unjust state power, pay tribute to deceased monks, and reflect on historical lessons from religious persecution.

In his commemorative address, Most Ven. Jinwoo stated, “Many victims passed away while harboring deep resentment, and those who are still alive continue to struggle with physical pain and psychological trauma,” adding, “We must fulfill our historical responsibility until the truth is fully uncovered and their honor is substantively restored.” The Jogye Order stated that it will do its utmost to work through the unresolved issues stemming from the Dharma Persecution.

Kim Dohyung, Director General of the Religious Affairs Bureau at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated, “The government will continue to make efforts towards the full restoration of the Buddhist community’s honor and the healing of the victims’ wounds.” He added that the government will continue to provide support and cooperation so that the October 27 Dharma Persecution Memorial Hall, currently under construction at Bongeunsa Temple, will serve as a space for reflection and harmony that conveys the values of human rights and religious freedom to future generations.

The October 27 Dharma Persecution, which occurred on October 27, 1980, is an unprecedented event in modern Korean history. The new military regime raided approximately 3,700 temples and 1,600 hermitages nationwide, simultaneously mobilizing some 30,000 military and police personnel to violate the human rights of Buddhist monks.