South Korean DJ ‘monk’ performance must not involve religious elements if it is to proceed, say authorities

After issuing an advisory to the nightclub involved in organizing the event, the police said on Tuesday ( May 21 ) that the planned performance of a South Korean DJ “monk” must not involve any religious elements if it is to proceed.  

The artist, known as DJ NewJeansNim, has gained popularity for performing while wearing a wizard’s coat and adding Buddhist mantras into his set.

The person, who is unaffiliated with the well-known K-pop group NewJeans, is scheduled to play his first display at Club Rich in Singapore on June 19 and 20.  

The DJ was depicted in special material from the club’s location along Middle Road, who was clad in a monk’s coat and had his hands in a prayer position.  

The Singapore Police Force ( SPF ) stated in a statement on Tuesday night that it had spoken with the club’s licensee and stakeholders about the planned performance.

Club Rich has been contacted by CNA for remark.  

The owner must make sure that the public leisure provided at their location is not likely to offend any competition, religion, ethnicity, or nationality, or potentially cause division amongst various groups in accordance with the Public Entertainment Licence conditions.  

“Given the nature of the planned effectiveness, the work may be in violation of this problem, ” said the policeman.

The team has acknowledged the warning and informed the police that it will follow the licensing requirements.  

This includes ensuring that the achievement does not require any factors associated with religion, be it in the dress, hand movements, artefacts, songs and lyrics, said SPF.  

” NOT ACCEPTABLE”

K Shanmugam, the performer’s minister for household affairs and law, noted that the actor has used Buddhist prayer items and spiritual verses in song lyrics in his past performances.  

Our Buddhist society would not have been offended by this. This is not satisfactory, ” he said in a Facebook post on Wednesday.  

If the achievement goes well, police have informed the bar owners that action will be taken. They understood our place, and have agreed to cooperate.  

“This news has come out on Vesak Day, an unfortunate accident. But the Buddhist community, ( like other communities ) knows that the government will take firm action, in respect of such things. ”