As South Korean Buddhism Woos Gen Z, How Hip Is Too Hip?
The Jogye Order is using festivals, fashion and robots to make Buddhism more approachable, with 250,000 attending one expo this year.
7 Articles
7 Articles
In South Korea, where religion was losing its strength more and more, Buddhism has regained popularity thanks to a "resolved" trend that attracts the Z Generation with festivals, fashion, robots and DJs, although some fear for the foundations of faith.
At the Jogyesa Temple in Seoul, monks psalmodize while the faithful make offerings and bow to the feet of three giant and golden statues of Buddha. But a few meters from the sanctuary built in the 14th century, a shop called Buddhaz sells statuettes, rosaries in bracelets of pearls, hats and t-shirts, one of which depicts Buddha navigating on his smartphone. A postcard depicts him lying on his belly making a bubble of chewing gum. The trend, cal…
The Economic Times
As South Korean Buddhism woos Gen Z, how hip is too hip?
In fast-secularising South Korea, Buddhism is regaining popularity thanks to a "hip" trend wooing Gen Z with festivals, fashion, robots and DJs, even as some fear for the fundamentals of the faith. "If Buddhism is consumed merely as a 'good image', its newfound hipness may prove to be little more than a passing trend," said an editorial in the Hyunbulnews newspaper, a Buddhist outlet.
Pop culture approach: As South Korean Buddhism woos Gen Z, how hip is too hip?
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
