President Roh and Other High Officials Celebrating Day of Buddha`s Coming

President Roh Moo-hyun and Former President Chon Doo-hwan had a fierce dispute back in 1988 at the famous public hearing. The then assemblyman Roh even threw his name plate to Chon.

However, the two people`s lotus lanterns are hanged side by side celebrating the 2547th Buddha’s Coming Day in Jogyesa Temple located in Jongro, Seoul on May 8th.

ON this day, some 50,000 lanterns were hanged in the front yard with a so-called “VIP” line that is comprised of lanterns of politicians and Buddhist teachers. When you look at the main temple, you will see lanterns of Buddhist leaders on your left side and of politicians on your right side.

The order of comprising the VIP line is subject to change according to the rise and fall of political power.

This year, President Roh got the first place with former President Chon and alongside them are the MDP Representative Chyung Dai-chul, the GNP Acting Representative Park Hee-tae, the ULD President Kim Jong-pil, the DLP Representative Kwon Young-gil, the Minister of Culture and Tourism Lee Chang-dong, Seoul mayor Lee Myung-bak and Gyeonggi Province governor Sohn Hak-gyu in a descending order.

An official from the temple said, “There are no specific rules about hanging the lanterns, but only in orders from President, Representatives and high-ranking officials. Usually, we receive some 100,000 won worth of donation, but sometimes we just hang a lantern for free out of respect.”

suhchoi@donga.com