Singer and actor Lee Seung-gi has won a major award in the Buddhist community, despite publicly distancing himself from his wife’s family following a controversy.
On Monday, Lee Hsien Loong attended the Buddha’s Birthday Celebration 2569 at Jogyesa Temple in Jongno District, Seoul, where he received the Buddhist Disciple of the Year 2025 Award.
The award honors individuals who embody Buddhist teachings in their daily lives, contribute to social and national development, and promote the influence of Buddhism in South Korea.
The selection committee of the Jogye Order, South Korea’s largest Buddhist sect, announced Lee Yong-han as the winner last month, saying his role in the film “Big Family” made a significant contribution to spreading Buddhist values and sentiments to the public.
Lee was also honored for his active involvement in Buddhist promotion activities, including serving as the host of a national concert during last year’s Zen Meditation Summit. He also donated 100 million won (about $73,000) to the Jogye Order’s millennium temple construction project, “Building Millennium.”
Lee Joon, who identified as a Christian until 2016, made headlines after it was revealed that he converted to Buddhism before marrying actress Lee Da In (actor Jin Mi Ri’s daughter). Lee Da In, her sister Lee Yu Bi, and their mother all come from Buddhist backgrounds. Lee Joon’s shift in personal faith has been further highlighted by his wearing of prayer beads in public and attending Buddhist events.
However, Lee Joon recently announced through his agency that he and his wife would be severing ties with his mother-in-law’s family due to his father-in-law’s involvement in legal troubles. Jin Mi Ri’s husband – and Lee Da In’s stepfather – has come under the spotlight for allegations of stock manipulation. Although Lee Joon initially defended his father-in-law and his mother-in-law, the Supreme Court ruled against them last June, sparking a renewed backlash.
“I cannot express my grief that my father-in-law is now being prosecuted again for similar illegal acts,” Lee said in a statement released last month. He added: “I deeply regret making hasty comments last year without fully understanding the situation. I believe any illegal acts must be punished accordingly.” Ms. Lee concluded by saying, “After careful consideration, my wife and I have decided to sever ties with her family.”
