Oct 30, 2025 – JoongAng Ilbo Interview, Departure for Bhutan
Hello. Today, after an interview with JoongAng Ilbo, Sunim will depart for Bhutan to inspect sustainable development projects and attend the first completion ceremony for housing construction for the homeless.
After completing morning practice and meditation, Sunim headed to the Jungto Social and Cultural Center at 9 AM for an interview with JoongAng Ilbo.
When reporter Baek Seong-ho from JoongAng Ilbo arrived, Sunim warmly greeted him and guided the reporter to the third basement floor where the JTS 32nd anniversary photo exhibition was being held.
After briefly viewing photos documenting JTS’s journey in combating hunger, disease, and illiteracy in India, the Philippines, North Korea, and other parts of the world, they moved to the Peace Foundation reception room.
Once seated in the reception room, reporter Baek Seong-ho asked Sunim his prepared questions one by one. For an hour, various questions continued, covering nearly 30 topics including the planning background of the ‘Youth Festa,’ the reality of the younger generation, and attitudes toward life from a Buddhist perspective.
The reporter posed his first question. Sunim answered with a smile.
“You previously held ‘Youth Concerts,’ and now after 7 years, you’re hosting ‘Youth Festa.’ What’s the reason?”
“Young people these days seem to feel too hopeless. The suicide rate is high, and many struggle with marriage and employment issues. Some have given up on finding jobs entirely, and there are ‘shut-ins’ who rarely leave their homes. In particular, there’s an increase in reclusive young people who avoid interpersonal contact. Even those who work often lack social skills and show little interest in world affairs beyond their own work. Through this ‘Youth Festa,’ I hope young people will develop an open perspective on society, take interest in issues like climate crisis and peace, and maintain a hopeful attitude toward the world. I want to create a space where young people can come and enjoy themselves, experience various activities in a vibrant atmosphere, and interact with each other.”
In an Era Where Everything Seems Hopeless, What Do Young People Really Need?
“The speakers appearing at ‘Youth Festa’ include Jo In-sung, Kim Chang-ok, and Kim Je-dong – you’ve organized this in a really interesting way. In an era where everything seems hopeless, what do young people really need?”
“Young people are the future leaders of our society. For our society to continue developing, young people must take on that role. Young people need to have hope and engage in active and creative activities, but these days that energy seems somewhat lacking. Through this ‘Youth Festa,’ I hope young people will regain confidence and freely express their energy toward the future.”
The journalist asked various questions about how to encourage young people facing difficult realities, and Sunim talked about what perspectives young people need to have in order to regain hope and vitality.
After an hour and a half interview, Sunim headed to the first floor entrance with the journalist. The journalist requested that Sunim pose in front of the ‘Youth Festa’ banner for a photo.
After finishing the photo shoot in front of the banner, the journalist thanked Sunim.
“Thank you for readily agreeing to this interview despite your busy schedule.”
After seeing off the journalist, Sunim returned to The Peace Foundation and held a meeting with the Jungto International Division. Anchali, who participated in the Women’s INEB Jungto Study Tour program, also attended.
First, they evaluated the Women’s INEB Jungto Study Tour program. After hearing about the work of Bhikkhuni Suthasini from Thailand, Sunim made a special request to Anchali.
“Bhikkhuni Suthasini is caring for children with HIV, but the sanitation, medical facilities, and educational environment seem very poor. I’d like you to investigate what kind of support JTS could provide.”
They then discussed how to adjust the INEB Jungto Study Tour program for next year. Currently, they run separate programs twice a year for bhikkhus and female practitioners, but Anchali carefully suggested integrating them.
“What if we increase the number of participants next year and conduct the study tour just once? If we integrate it, bhikkhus could learn to respect bhikkhunis while doing the study tour together.”
Sunim expressed concerns about integrated operation.
“Wouldn’t that create a problem where bhikkhunis can’t speak confidently in front of bhikkhus? And if the number of participants increases, individual opportunities to speak would decrease too.”
“While there are such disadvantages, I think the advantages outweigh them. Since we’d only conduct the study tour once, it would also reduce the burden on Jungto Society in organizing the program.”
After discussing the advantages and disadvantages from various angles, they concluded to try integrating the program next year and finished the evaluation meeting.
After finishing the morning schedule, Sunim packed for the trip to Bhutan. After packing various items into a suitcase, he departed from Seoul Jungto Center at 1:30 PM and headed to Incheon Airport. Jungto Society staff members bid farewell to Sunim as he embarked on his long journey.
“Sunim, have a safe and healthy trip.”
After an hour and a half drive, they arrived at Incheon Airport at 3 PM.
After completing departure procedures and waiting at the gate, Sunim departed from Incheon Airport at 4:50 PM and headed to Bangkok Airport. After a 6-hour and 30-minute flight, he arrived at Bangkok Airport at 9:20 PM local time.
At the airport, Hwang So-yeon, a member of Bangkok Jungto Society, was waiting to greet him. After taking a few hours of rest, Sunim concluded today’s activities.
Tomorrow, he will depart for Bangkok Airport at 3 AM, take a 5 AM flight to arrive at Bhutan’s Paro Airport, and then travel by car all day to Zhemgang in central Bhutan.
