South Korean singer-actor Lee Seung-gi was honored with the prestigious Buddhist Devotee Award by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism during the Buddha’s Birthday celebration. The award recognizes his deep faith and significant contributions to promoting Buddhist values and supporting charitable causes.
Award Ceremony at Jogyesa Temple
The Jogye Order presented the Buddhist Devotee Award to Lee Seung-gi on May 5, 2025, during a ceremony at Jogyesa Temple in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The event, held as part of the annual Buddha’s Birthday festivities, celebrated individuals who embody Buddhist principles in their daily lives. Lee Seung-gi, dressed in a black suit, accepted the award with a respectful 90-degree bow, holding a bouquet and trophy while posing for photos. The ceremony, attended by notable figures like presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung, highlighted the significance of the award, now in its 22nd year.
The Jogye Order, South Korea’s largest Buddhist sect, oversees nearly 3,000 temples and has a history rooted in the Seon (Zen) tradition, dating back 1,200 years. The award underscores the recipient’s role in advancing Korean Buddhism and contributing to society.
Contributions to Buddhism and Charity
Lee Seung-gi was selected for his efforts in spreading Buddhist values through his work and philanthropy. His role in the 2024 film About Family was a key factor, as the movie conveyed Buddhist sentiments to a wide audience. In the film, directed by Yang Woo-suk, Lee Seung-gi plays an elite medical student who becomes a monk, exploring themes of family and compassion in the context of South Korea’s low fertility rate. The Jogye Order praised the film for its meaningful portrayal of Buddhist principles.
Other than acting, Lee Seung-gi served as an emcee for the National Music Concert at the International Seon Meditation Conference in 2024. He also donated 100 million KRW (approximately 72,000 USD) to the “Building for a Millennium” temple construction project, supporting the propagation of Buddhism. These actions demonstrated his commitment to the faith and its cultural significance in Korea.
“I am deeply honored to receive this award from the Jogye Order. My work in About Family and my contributions to Buddhist initiatives are driven by a desire to share meaningful values with others.” — Lee Seung-gi, during the award ceremony.
Background and Faith Journey
Lee Seung-gi, born on January 13, 1987, is a renowned South Korean entertainer known for his versatility as a singer, actor, and host. He has starred in popular dramas like Brilliant Legacy (2009) and My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho (2010), earning him the title of “Triple Threat” entertainer. His success has consistently placed him on the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list, ranking sixth in 2022.
Speculation about Lee Seung-gi’s faith surfaced in 2023 before his marriage to actress Lee Da-in, a devoted Buddhist. Reports suggested he may have converted from Christianity to Buddhism, with some sources noting that Lee Da-in’s mother, Kyeon Mi-ri, gifted him cherished Buddhist beads as a sign of approval. Additionally, for his role in About Family, Lee Seung-gi underwent a Buddhist initiation ceremony, receiving the Buddhist name Dowon. While his religious journey has sparked curiosity, Lee Seung-gi has not publicly confirmed his beliefs, focusing instead on his work and contributions.
“I shaved my head to play the role of the chief monk in my next work, and it was a meaningful experience that allowed me to reflect deeply.” — Lee Seung-gi, at the 2022 KBS Drama Awards, discussing his preparation for About Family.
Public and Netizen Reactions
The announcement of Lee Seung-gi’s award was met with widespread praise from fans and netizens. Social media platforms, particularly X, buzzed with congratulatory messages, with many highlighting his humility and dedication.
“Congratulations to Lee Seung Gi for receiving the Buddhist Award! His work in About Family was so touching, and his donations show his kind heart.” — @gikgik5555
“#LeeSeungGi receiving the Buddhist Award is so well-deserved! He’s not just a talented actor but a genuinely good person.” — @Naneun_KP
“Seeing LeeSeunggi bow so respectfully while receiving the Buddha grand prize award warmed my heart. Truly a role model!” — @AlwaysWithLSG
Fans also noted his respectful demeanor during the ceremony, with posts on X sharing images of Lee Seung-gi bowing deeply to Ven. Jinwoo, the president of the Jogye Order, who presented the award.
Other Award Recipients
Lee Seung-gi was one of four recipients honored in 2025. The Jogye Order also recognized Keum Na-na, a former Miss Korea and Harvard-educated professor, for promoting Buddhism through media and her books, including Na-na’s Neverending Story. Poet Jeong Sang-seok was awarded for his inspirational Buddhist poetry, despite overcoming cerebral palsy. Badminton player Lee Yong-dae, an Olympic gold medalist, was honored for raising awareness of Buddhism through his participation in events. Lawyer Ahn Dong-il, a long-time legal advisor to the Jogye Order, was also celebrated for his contributions.
The Jogye Order’s Legacy
The Jogye Order, established as a distinct entity in the late 11th century under monk Bojo Jinul, is the leading school of Seon Buddhism in South Korea. It emphasizes meditation and direct connection to the Buddha’s teachings. The order faced challenges during the Joseon Dynasty’s Confucian dominance and Japanese occupation (1910–1945), when Buddhist practices were suppressed. After liberation in 1945, the Jogye Order underwent a purification movement to restore celibate monastic traditions, officially establishing itself in 1962 with goals of education, sutra translation, and propagation.
Today, the Jogye Order manages key temples like Jogyesa Temple, Tongdosa Temple, Haeinsa Temple, and Songgwangsa Temple, representing the three jewels of Buddhism: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Its initiatives, like the proposed World Meditation Day on May 21, reflect its global outreach.
Broader Impact of Lee Seung-gi’s Work
Lee Seung-gi’s contributions extend beyond Buddhism. In 2023, he participated in a charity event in Quezon City, Philippines, organized by LCS Group, distributing meals to 200 children. His 2 billion KRW donation to a children’s hospital in South Korea further showcases his commitment to social good. These efforts align with the Jogye Order’s emphasis on compassion and community welfare, making Lee Seung-gi a fitting recipient of the award.
His role in About Family has also sparked discussions about societal issues like South Korea’s low fertility rate, blending entertainment with meaningful messaging. The film’s success and Lee Seung-gi’s performance have been praised for bridging cultural and spiritual values, appealing to both Buddhist and non-Buddhist audiences.
As of May 5, 2025, Lee Seung-gi continues to engage in projects that reflect his values. His recent charity work and public appearances, including the Buddha’s Birthday ceremony, keep him in the spotlight as a positive influence. Fans eagerly await his upcoming projects, expecting more roles that combine artistry with social impact.
CREDITS: Daum
