Youn Sung-ho graduated from Dong-Ah Broadcasting College with a major in theater and film,[1] and started his career after successfully auditioning with SBS in 2001.[2] With his character Pakgu on KBS' Gag Concert, he gained some popularity nationally.[3] He would also release music with other comedians.[4]
In 2023, he started uploading videos on YouTube as a monk character, bearing his Buddhist name 'Iljin' (일진). Later in November 2023, he received the name 'Newjin' (뉴진) for the character at Jogyesa Temple in Seoul, stylized in English as 'NewJeansNim'.[5][6] However, he was not initiated as a full-fledged Buddhist monk.[7][8] As NewJeansNim, he would infuse Buddhist scriptures with EDM beats. He was well received in South Korea by the major Buddhist sect order, the Jogye Order and the public there, and was also credited with reviving Buddhism popularity among the South Korean youths.[6][9] Since then, he had played to crowds at different countries and festivals.[9][10][11]
On May 3, 2024, NewJeansNim performed at a dance club in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. However, it was met with backlash from the local Buddhism community.[12] His subsequent show in the country was cancelled.[13] Similarly, his upcoming June 19 show in Singapore was protested by Singapore Buddhist Federation, which requested for its permits to be rejected.[14] Authorities had stated that action would be taken if the performance involves religious elements, with laws that can penalize if the action in question is deemed to be offensive to a race, religion, ethnicity or nationality or other groups.[15] In a statement from the nightclub hosting him, Youn will not be performing with his robe or with any religious references.[16][17] The Singapore performance was announced on May 31, 2024, as being cancelled as he insisted on including two soundtracks with religious elements in the set and an agreement between him and the club could not be reached.[18]
^ ab2001 SBS 신인개그맨“신선한웃음으로복스러운세상을열겠습니다” [2001 SBS Rookie Competition "I will open a blessed world with fresh laughter"] (PDF). SBS magazine. October 2001. p. 33. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
^"뉴스 : 네이버TV연예". m.entertain.naver.com. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
