State of the World from NPR cover image

State of the World from NPR

Beats for Buddhism: A South Korean DJ spins followers to the faith

Jul 25, 2024
DJ Yoon Seong-ho, a South Korean DJ uses his beats to attract new followers to his Buddhist faith. He blends tradition and modernity by combining traditional Buddhist practices with modern entertainment, making Buddhism accessible to young South Koreans through music and innovation, reshaping the perception of Buddhism for the younger generation.
04:49

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Quick takeaways

  • DJ Yoon Seong-ho creatively incorporates Buddhist sutras into music to attract younger followers.
  • Declining organized Buddhism in South Korea contrasts with the rising popularity of individual practices like meditation and yoga.

Deep dives

Innovative Approach to Attracting Followers in Buddhism

Buddhism in South Korea faces a declining interest as organized religions close their doors globally. To counter this trend, a South Korean DJ, Yoon Song-ho, known as New Jeans Neem, incorporates Buddhist sutras and puns into his sets to make Buddhism more accessible and engaging. His unconventional approach aims to attract younger audiences who may view Buddhism as outdated. New Jeans Neem's performances, blending tradition with modernity, challenge stereotypes and help improve Buddhism's image among the public.

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