On October 14, Venerable Jinwoo, President of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, appointed ten members to the 11th International Exchange Committee during a ceremony held at the Templestay Center of Jogyesa Temple in Seoul.

The newly appointed members include Ven. Jinseong, Director of the Department of Social Affairs, Ven. Jeongmu, Director of Dharma Propagation, Ven. Jeongbeom, Acting Head of the Overseas Special Parish, Ven. Munjong, Head of the International Dharma Propagation Corps, Ven. Haemin, Headmaster of the Mind Healing School, Venerable Gyeongwan, Professor at the Institute of Buddhist Culture, Dongguk University, Ven. Wongul, Acting Dean of Haeinsa Monastic College, Ven. Junhan, Abbot of Hongdae Seon Center, Ven. Jaheon, Professor in the Department of Buddhist Studies, Dongguk University, and Vene. Hyeun of Japan’s Soto Zen tradition.

Additionally, four monks will serve as subcommittee members for regional affairs including Ven. Ryeohyo for Vietnam, Ven. Hyeho for China, Ven. Dhammakitti for Sri Lanka, and Ven. Bat Boyang for Mongolia.

The 11th committee will take the lead in international Buddhist exchange, in accordance with the administrative regulations of the Jogye Order. Their term will last for two years, with Ven. Jinseong serving as chair in an ex officio capacity.

In his remarks, Venerable Jinwoo stated, “Given the current global religious landscape, it’s true that Buddhism holds relatively less influence. Therefore, the globalization of Korean Buddhism must be led by the Jogye Order. I hope the newly appointed members will actively engage with the international Buddhist community and strengthen global ties.”

Venerable Jeongbeom, who is serving again following his roles in the 7th, 9th, and 10th committees, added, “This year’s committee is composed of highly capable monks who have dedicated over a decade to Dharma propagation in various countries. We will do our utmost to fulfill the Ven. Jinwoo’s vision.”