Singer and actor Lee Seung-gi has been recognized for his contributions to the Buddhist community by receiving the 'Buddhist Award.'
On the 5th, at the Buddha's Birthday celebration ceremony held at Jogyesa Temple in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Lee Seung-gi received the 2025 Buddhist Award and a plaque of appreciation from the head monk Jinwoo of the Jogye Order.
The selection committee for the Jogye Order's Buddhist Award stated, "Lee Seung-gi has actively participated in various Buddhist events and played the role of a shaved-headed monk in the movie 'Big Family,' widely promoting Buddhist sentiments."
The event was attended by political figures, including Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party, who congratulated Lee Seung-gi with a handshake. Lee Seung-gi, who was previously a Christian, gained attention for converting to Buddhism through his relationship with actress Lee Da-in. Ahead of his marriage, he accepted faith after receiving prayer beads from his mother-in-law, Gyeon Mi-ri, and also received the Dharma name 'Dowon' from Master Juseok.
Since then, Lee Seung-gi has been active in the Buddhist cultural arts organization 'Kumuda,' continuing to interact with Buddhists, and donated 100 million won to the Jogye Order's architectural project 'Building for a Thousand Years,' becoming a role model within and outside the Buddhist community.
In particular, in the movie 'Big Family,' released last year, he portrayed a monk who has left home, delivering a deep representation of the Buddhist worldview through his actual shaving performance.
Meanwhile, Lee Seung-gi recently expressed his stance on the stock manipulation case related to his father-in-law, stating, "I apologize to those who have suffered due to my careless remarks."
[Kim Seung-hye, MK Sports Reporter]
