The Buddhist Guardian Monk Corps declared a 'Statement on National Affairs by 33 Guardian Monk Leaders' on the 1st, protesting the Lee Jae-myung administration's treasonous acts and the judiciary's atrocities. ⒸHanmi Ilbo

On the 1st, the Buddhist Guardian Monk Corps issued a 'Statement on National Affairs by 33 Guardian Monk Leaders,' stating that "a majority of corrupt politicians are dismantling the rule of law and democratic order that they should uphold" and calling for "the restoration of truth and the nation's dignity to their rightful place." ⒸHanmi Ilbo

The Buddhist community has risen up against the Lee Jae-myung administration's treasonous acts and the judiciary's atrocities.

On the 1st, the Buddhist Guardian Monk Corps issued a 'Statement on National Affairs by 33 Guardian Monk Leaders,' stating that "a majority of corrupt politicians are dismantling the rule of law and democratic order that they should uphold" and calling for "the restoration of truth and the nation's dignity to their rightful place."

Here is the full text of the statement on national affairs.

Statement on National Affairs

To all lay Buddhists and followers,

And to all conscientious individuals concerned about the future of this nation...

Today, we stand here resolutely because we can no longer remain silent.

Because silence itself has become a sin.

In this nation, the current administration and

a majority of corrupt politicians are

dismantling the rule of law and democratic order

that they should uphold.

The arbitrary decisions that disregard public will, the arrogance of power that intimidates the people,

and the colonization of our nation, with both the ruling and opposition parties lavishing all sorts of benefits and privileges upon China, trampling on the safety and interests of our own citizens – these are no longer mere warnings but have reached a point where they are shaking the very foundations of national governance.

Despite ongoing trials for rebellion, certain forces are deceiving the public and distorting the truth as if the outcome has already been predetermined. We sternly admonish these individuals and define their actions as blatant immorality and atrocities.

What is even more tragic is that the judiciary, which should be the last bastion of justice, has abandoned its own impartiality and is betraying public sentiment with biased judgments.

When the law falters, the nation collapses, and the people are cast into suffering.

To those who ignore this simple truth,

we issue a clear warning:

"Power that bends the law will inevitably crumble on its own."

This directly contradicts the Buddha's teachings: "Act according to the law, see correctly, and behave uprightly (依法正見正行)."

We, the 33 Guardian Monk Leaders, hereby declare the following:

First,

We will no longer stand idly by in the face of all political machinations and atrocities that conceal the truth of events, distort public opinion, and deceive the people.

Second,

The judiciary must regain its own dignity and immediately cease the cowardly practice of delivering distorted judgments out of deference to power.

If this does not happen,

the judgment of history will never forgive the judiciary.

Third,

We will not back down from any attempt by power to suppress justice and truth, and under our vow of national protection, we will lead the effort to reveal the truth until the end.

The Buddha said,

"Justice is a light that does not extinguish even in darkness."

If power attempts to obscure that light,

we will become torches that clear away the shadows.

To those who harm the justice and freedom of this land...

Listen.

The eyes of the people are never blind,

and the conscience of the monastic community will never be silent.

Corrupt power does not last long,

and biased trials cannot imprison the truth forever.

Against all injustices that endanger the future of this nation,

we will stand even stronger.

We will shout even louder.

We will admonish even more firmly.

The 33 Guardian Monk Leaders will never retreat until truth and the nation's dignity are restored to their rightful place.

December, Year of Eulsa

All 33 Guardian Monk Leaders