Venerable Deoksan, abbot of Jajaeam Temple on Soyosan Mountain, is shaking up Buddhism with dance. A former police academy graduate who became a monk around age 40, Deoksan performs K-pop choreography in traditional robes and has earned the nickname 'G-Dragon Monk.' From G-Dragon to Michael Jackson and ATEEZ, his repertoire is headliner-level. He's trading wooden percussion for beats.
Dance is Deoksan's chosen weapon to reach younger generations. Where traditional sermons fall short, performance lowers the threshold. Same robes, same build, but his execution is fierce. An unexpected disruption in the Buddhist world.
Can enlightenment have a rhythm? Deoksan's approach seems to answer yes. Even weighty teachings can become lighter when delivered through movement. It's also an experiment in dissolving the boundary between religion and pop culture.
A new era of Buddhism is opening. Deoksan's dance is rewriting how outreach works. His belief that enlightenment continues outside the temple is taking shape through movement. How would you rate his moves?
Dance is Deoksan's chosen weapon to reach younger generations. Where traditional sermons fall short, performance lowers the threshold. Same robes, same build, but his execution is fierce. An unexpected disruption in the Buddhist world.
Can enlightenment have a rhythm? Deoksan's approach seems to answer yes. Even weighty teachings can become lighter when delivered through movement. It's also an experiment in dissolving the boundary between religion and pop culture.
A new era of Buddhism is opening. Deoksan's dance is rewriting how outreach works. His belief that enlightenment continues outside the temple is taking shape through movement. How would you rate his moves?
FAQ
Who is Venerable Deoksan?
Venerable Deoksan is the head monk of Jajae-am Hermitage at Soyosan Mountain. A former police academy graduate, he ordained around age 40. Dancing K-pop choreography in his robes, he earned the nickname 'G-Dragon Monk' and reaches young people through dance.
Why does Venerable Deoksan dance?
To reach the younger generation with Buddhism. Traditional sermons alone can't bridge the gap, so he's experimenting with performance to lower barriers and transform how the dharma is shared.
What kind of dances does Venerable Deoksan perform?
He performs choreography by G-Dragon, Michael Jackson, ATEEZ, and other K-pop and pop artists. Dancing headline-worthy routines in his robes, he's bringing fresh energy to the Buddhist community.
