23-5-2024 (SINGAPORE) In a move to uphold religious harmony, Singapore’s authorities have decided to prohibit an unconventional South Korean DJ known as “NewJeansNim” from performing in the city-state, citing potential risks to communal sensitivities.
The interior minister, K. Shanmugam, took to social media to announce the decision, emphasizing the government’s commitment to preserving religious harmony and addressing any actions deemed detrimental to this delicate balance.
“Police have told the nightclub owners that action will be taken if the performance proceeds. They understood our position, and have agreed to cooperate,” Shanmugam stated on his Facebook page.
NewJeansNim, whose real name is Youn Sung-ho, has gained notoriety as a comedian-turned-musician who delivers Buddhist wisdom and Gen-Z life advice over thumping beats. While his unique approach has been credited with reviving Buddhism’s popularity among young South Koreans, his performances have also raised eyebrows and sparked controversy in some regions.
Coincidentally, the news of the banned performance broke on Wesak Day, a significant Buddhist holiday. Shanmugam acknowledged the unfortunate timing but emphasized that the Buddhist community, like other religious groups, understands the government’s firm stance on matters that could potentially disrupt religious harmony.
“This news has come out on Wesak Day, an unfortunate coincidence. But the Buddhist community, (like other communities) knows that the government will take firm action, in respect of such things,” he added.
Singapore’s laws are stringent when it comes to speech or actions viewed as potentially harmful to the delicate balance of religious harmony within the multicultural nation.
NewJeansNim’s performances have already caused ripples in neighboring Malaysia, where he recently performed earlier this month. Despite Malaysia having a significant Buddhist minority, his initial gig in the Muslim-majority country led to offended local Buddhists filing police complaints, resulting in the cancellation of a second planned performance later in May.
However, in South Korea, the DJ has garnered support from his fans and the president of the country’s largest Buddhist sect, the Jogye Order. The sect has urged him to continue his unique approach, viewing it as a means of attracting new, younger followers to the religion.
