Singer Lee Seung-gi has been selected for the 2025 Buddhist award.
On the 5th, Lee Seung-gi received the 2025 Buddhist award at the 'Buddhism Year 2569 Bucheon Buddha's Birthday Celebration Ceremony' and received a plaque of appreciation from Jeongwoo, the head of the Jogye Order.
The Buddhist award is presented to exemplary Buddhists who practice the teachings of the Buddha in their daily lives, contribute to the development of the nation and society, and elevate the status of Korean Buddhism.
The organizers noted Lee Seung-gi's contributions to public outreach, highlighting that he served as the host of the 2024 International Meditation Conference National Concert, and said, "In the film 'Big Family,' he took on the role of a monk who shaved his head, greatly affecting empathy and awareness of Buddhist sentiments." They added, "He donated 100 million won to the Jogye Order's construction project 'Building for a Thousand Years' and participated in support for public outreach."
Lee Seung-gi was a Christian but is known to have converted to Buddhism under the influence of his wife, I Da-in. I Da-in, along with her mother, Gyun Mi-ri, and sister-in-law, I Da-in, are devout Buddhists. Gyun Mi-ri is known to have gifted Lee Seung-gi prayer beads after he converted to Buddhism.
Lee Seung-gi married I Da-in in April 2023 and welcomed a daughter in February of last year. However, he recently caused a stir by announcing a severance from his in-laws through an official statement.
On the 29th of last month, Lee Seung-gi stated through his agency, "There were illegal matters that were continually raised by my father-in-law, and a fine was imposed by the appellate court, but I have now reached a point where I am being prosecuted by investigative agencies for similar illegal acts," and added, "As someone who has been waiting for results based on trust among family, I cannot contain my deep feelings of dismay over my father-in-law's wrongdoing."
Lee Seung-gi said, "I deeply reflect on my hasty remarks regarding matters related to my father-in-law without thoroughly reviewing them last year. I believe that proper penalties should be imposed for illegal acts, and I sincerely apologize to the victims who suffered due to my rash judgment." He continued, "Trust among family has been severely damaged to a point that will be difficult to restore, and my wife and I wish to sever our relationship with my in-laws after much contemplation. Moving forward, I will strive to maintain proper values and live responsibly for a healthy society."
Lee Seung-gi's father-in-law, Mr. Lee, was arrested by the prosecution on charges of participating in manipulating stock prices of a Kosdaq-listed company for unjust profits. Mr. Lee is accused of placing orders to manipulate the stock prices of two listed companies, including QUANTAPIA, a renewable energy company, and spreading rumors to affect the stock price. He was investigated for receiving money under the pretext of requesting favor from officials of the Korea Exchange and promising to receive a large sum if the request was fulfilled.
[Photo] OSEN DB, 'Big Family' still
[OSEN]