Haemin (monk)

1.1. Early Life and Family

Haemin was born on December 12, 1973, in Daejeon, South Korea. His birth name is Ryan Bongsuk Joo, though he was registered in South Korea under the name Joo Bongsuk during his period of South Korean nationality. He was raised in Seoul and completed his high school education in Korea before moving to the United States. During his high school years, he began to grapple with fundamental questions about life, which led him to explore religion and philosophy. His interest in seeking enlightenment was particularly sparked after reading Jiddu Krishnamurti's book, Freedom from the Known.

1.2. Education

After graduating from high school in South Korea, Haemin pursued higher education in the United States, focusing on religious studies. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies from the University of California, Berkeley. He continued his academic pursuits at the graduate level, receiving a Master of Arts in Religious Studies from Harvard University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies from Princeton University.

1.3. Monastic Life and Practice

Haemin's academic exploration of religion evolved into a personal quest for spiritual experience. Driven by a desire to personally experience the enlightenment he studied academically, he sought out and learned from numerous Buddhist teachers, including the 14th Dalai Lama, across India, South Korea, and the United States. In 2000, he received his novice monk vows (사미계_samigye^Korean) at Haeinsa Temple in South Korea, officially becoming a monk of the Jogye Order, a major lineage of Korean Buddhism. Eight years later, in 2008, he received his full ordination vows (비구계_bigugye^Korean) at Jikjisa Temple. His monastic practice also included periods of intense training at various renowned Buddhist centers such as Bongamsa, Anguk Seon Center, Plum Village in France, and Dharamshala in India.

2.1. Academic and Professorial Career

For seven years, Haemin served as a professor of Asian religions at Hampshire College in Massachusetts, United States. During his tenure, he taught and researched various aspects of religious studies. In 2015, he decided to conclude his professorship and return to South Korea to focus more directly on spiritual guidance and community work. He currently holds the position of Vice Abbot at the New York Bulgwang Seon Center.

2.2. Spiritual Guidance and Social Engagement

Upon returning to Seoul in 2015, Haemin dedicated himself to establishing the School of Broken Hearts (마음치유학교_{ma-eumchiyuhakgyo}^Korean). As the principal of this institution, he collaborates with professional therapists to provide free healing programs aimed at alleviating the suffering of various individuals. These programs cater to people who have lost family members, cancer patients, parents raising children with disabilities, struggling job seekers, and those who have experienced the pain of miscarriage. His commitment to social contribution also extends to his role as a WeStart ambassador since 2012, where he actively supports low-income children in South Korea.

Beyond his formal roles, Haemin maintains an active presence on social media, particularly through his KakaoStory channel, "Haemin Sunim's Warm Support," which boasts over 1.3 million subscribers. He is known for his ability to communicate his messages in an empathetic, concrete, and easily understandable manner, which has resonated with a wide audience. He also maintains close friendships with notable non-Buddhist figures, including Catholic nun Lee Haein and Protestant pastor Jo Jung-min.

2.3. Major Works

Haemin is a prolific and bestselling author, with his books translated into numerous languages, making his teachings accessible worldwide.

• The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down: Published in 2012 by Sam & Parkers, this book became a phenomenon in South Korea, selling over 1 million copies within seven months, setting a record for the shortest time to reach this milestone for a humanities and liberal arts book. It also held the top spot on the Kyobo Book Centre's comprehensive bestseller list for 16 consecutive weeks. Globally, the book has sold over 4 million copies and has been translated into more than 35 languages. Its central theme encourages readers to pause and find peace in their fast-paced lives.
• Love for Imperfect Things: Released in 2016 by Suo Seojae, this work focuses on the importance of self-love and acceptance of imperfections. It became the number one bestseller in South Korea in 2016 and was made available in multiple languages in 2019.
• Young Age's Enlightenment: Published in 2010 by Clear Mind, this book explores themes of spiritual insight for a younger audience.

2.4. Media Appearances

Haemin has made numerous appearances on South Korean television programs, further broadening his reach and public profile. His television credits include:

• 2012: Knowledge Sharing Concert I Love In Season 2
• 2016: Kim Je-dong's Talk To You - Don't Worry! My Dear (Episode 35 guest)
• 2016: Infinite Challenge (Episode 469 guest)
• 2017: A Guide for Strangers Traveling My Room
• 2018: Please Take Care of My Refrigerator
• 2019: How Did Adults Become Like This
• 2020: On & Off

4.1. Lifestyle Controversy (2020)

In November 2020, Haemin appeared on the tvN entertainment program On & Off, which showcased the daily lives of public figures. The episode, aired on November 7, depicted him waking up in a spacious two-story house located in Samcheong-dong, a desirable and affluent neighborhood in central Seoul, with views of Namsan Mountain. The program also showed him working as a chief content officer at an office developing a meditation application, an endeavor he had been involved with since 2019. Furthermore, rumors circulated about his alleged ownership of a Ferrari.

This portrayal sparked a severe public backlash in South Korea. Many viewers criticized Haemin for leading a luxurious and seemingly secular lifestyle, which they perceived as contradictory to the traditional ascetic values associated with Buddhist monasticism and his own teachings on simplicity and inner peace. The public expressed significant disappointment, feeling that his actions did not align with the humble image they had held of him. In response to the intense criticism, Haemin publicly announced his decision to withdraw from all public activities and return to a Zen Buddhism education institution, expressing his intention to reflect on his actions.

4.2. Nationality and Military Service Controversy

Another area of controversy surrounding Haemin involves his nationality. It was revealed that after graduating from high school in South Korea and subsequently studying abroad in the United States, he renounced his South Korean nationality and acquired United States nationality. This decision sparked public debate and allegations of military service evasion, as South Korean males are generally required to complete mandatory military service upon reaching adulthood. The issue raised questions among the public about his motivations for changing citizenship and its implications given his public role.

5.1. Public Influence

Haemin has wielded considerable public influence in South Korea, primarily as a bestselling author and a prominent social media personality. His ability to connect with a mass audience through accessible spiritual guidance made him one of the most recognized religious figures in the country. In 2012, Sisajournal, a South Korean news magazine, ranked him as the 9th most influential religious figure in Korea, placing him among esteemed Buddhist monks such as Beopjeong, Seongcheol, and Beopnyun. His significant following on platforms like KakaoStory further underscores his broad public reach and impact.

5.2. Critical Assessment

While enjoying widespread popularity, Haemin's actions and teachings have also been subject to diverse evaluations and discussions within the Buddhist community and broader Korean society. Following the 2020 lifestyle controversy, criticisms intensified, with some arguing that his commercial activities and perceived opulent living undermined the ethical expectations of a monastic life and the credibility of his spiritual messages. This raised questions about the balance between a monk's public engagement and adherence to traditional Buddhist tenets. These critical assessments contribute to a complex understanding of his legacy, highlighting the ongoing societal discussions regarding the role of spiritual leaders in modern, consumer-driven societies and their adherence to the values they espouse for social progress.