Ven . Jaseung , the incumbent president of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism , was on Thursday reelected the leader of the country ’ s largest Buddhist group . He will begin his four - year term as the 34 th chief of the order on Nov . 1 after receiving approval from the elders ’ committee . The Jogye Order announced that Ven . Jaseung won 179 votes from 311 electoral college members representing more than 14 , 000 Buddhist monks , beating four other candidates including the strongest contender , Ven . Boseon , who is the current chairman of the counsel of Jogye . “ I believe that my election reflects the members ’ yearning for sustainable growth and harmony while cultivating a ‘ clean and clear ’ meditation environment , ” Ven . Jaseung said in his acceptance speech . “ Just as piles of dust form a mountain , I will bear each person ’ s suggestions and wishes in mind throughout the term . This isn ’ t something that I can do alone . I will need all of your support . .. Now is the time for Korean Buddhism to get rid of old customs and stand in front of the society and people . We will reach out to our less privileged neighbors and look after them . ” However , Ven . Jaseung ’ s reelection will likely cause a stir among his opponents since he had pledged not to seek a second term after a scandal broke last year involving high - ranking Buddhist monks and illegal gambling . In September , he said , “ I will not make excuses about retracting my pledge . ” By Bae Ji - sook ( baejisook @ heraldcorp . com ) [ Hot News ] ◆ 朴 대통령 아세안 정상회의 서 도 ' 세일즈 외교 ' 주력 ◆ 미국 새 연준 의장 에 재닛 옐런 현 부의장 ◆ 세계 최초 휘 는 화면 스마트폰 ' 갤럭시 라운드 ' 출시 ◆ " 삼성 , 실리콘밸리 서 인수 대상 업체 물색 " ◆ 따뜻 한 의학 드라마 ' 굿 닥터 ' 시청 률 . .. 더 많 은 기사 보 러 가 기 → [ 코리아 헤럴드 홈페이지 ] [ 트위터 ] [ 페이스북 ] 구독 신청 1588 - 0533