A substantial number of South Koreans have no religion. Christianity (Protestantism and Catholicism) and Buddhism are the dominant confessions among those who affiliate with a formal religion. Buddhism and Confucianism play an influential role in the lives of many South Korean people.
Extent and syncretic impact of Buddhism
With Buddhism's incorporation into traditional Korean culture, it is now considered a philosophy and cultural background rather than a formal religion. As a result, many people outside of the practicing population are deeply influenced by these traditions.
One of the possible reasons that leads to degradation of the Buddhist population is related to the intensive promotion of another religion among young generations, namely, Protestantism. That is the second largest group after Catholicism among the other five groups of Christianity.
South Korea is a country where all the world's major religions, Christianity, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Islam, peacefully coexist with shamanism.
Seon Buddhism, represented chiefly by the Jogye and Taego orders, is the most common type of Buddhism found in Korea. Jogyesa Temple Seon temple in Seoul, South Korea. A main characteristic of Seon Buddhism is the use of the method of meditation, Ganhwa Seon (Korean: 간화선/看話禪).
Buddhism in North Korea is practiced under the auspices of the official Korea Buddhist Federation, an organ of the North Korean state apparatus. North Korean Buddhist monks are entirely dependent on state wages for their livelihood as well as state authorization to practice.
RM of BTS said he is an atheist
He ended by stating he doesn't believe in God and identifies as an atheist. However, RM has also worn a crucifix pendant around his neck, a common symbol in Christianity. Since that interview, he hasn't publicly confirmed his religious views.
While South Korea's constitution guarantees freedom of religion and separation of church and state, the government has been sympathetic to Christianity. It considers the religion to provide some ideological protection against their Communist neighbor.
According to some experts, contemporary irreligion in South Korea can be partially attributed to South Koreans' distrust of hierarchical organizations like religious groups. Experts also point to South Korea's demanding education and work systems as reasons why few young South Koreans participate in organized religion.
The claim that monks have secret wives however came as no surprise to those in the know because Buddhist clerical marriage has a long history in Korea and has been openly accepted.
Outwardly straight and inwardly pure is the tenet of Korean Buddhism. Korean Buddhism offers diverse practices. Along with Seon (the meditation practice, which is the backbone of the KB's practice lineage), there are diverse devotional practices for monastics and the laity.
Shinto and Buddhism are Japan's two major religions. Shinto is as old as the Japanese culture, while Buddhism was imported from the mainland in the 6th century. Since then, the two religions have been co-existing relatively harmoniously and have even complemented each other to a certain degree.
Buddhism became the official religion of one of Korea's early kingdoms in 372, after a priest arrived from China with Buddhist images and scriptures. From the time of its introduction it had the enthusiastic support of the rulers and the aristocracy.
Buddhism would have a profound influence on Korean art, literature, and architecture from bells to pagodas, ceramics, sculpture, and even developments in printing techniques.
Korean Americans have historically had a very strong Christian—particularly Protestant—heritage. Between 60% and 65% identify as Christian; 40% of those consist of immigrants who were not Christians at the time of their arrival in the United States. There are about 4,000 Korean Christian churches in the United States.
Accurate data on Chinese Christians is difficult to access. There are estimates that say Christianity is the fastest growing religion in China. There were some four million before 1949 (three million Catholics and one million Protestants).
Legal Framework. The constitution states that all citizens have freedom of religion and that there shall be no discrimination in political, economic, social, or cultural life on the basis of religion.
We start our day with a group chat with a Bible verse from my mom.” In a 2018 interview with Vogue, the reality TV star spoke about her experiences of attending a Catholic school but specified that she wasn't a Catholic. She did confirm however that she, and her family are Christians.
RM. RM once stated in an interview that he does not have a religion and confirmed that he is, in fact, atheist. He has, however, been seen wearing a necklace with a cross on it, which some have argued could have religious significance.
It was later pointed out that all of the members were courteous to the Muslim fan, and made sure not to touch her (perhaps thanks to J-Hope's warning!). This kindness has impressed Muslim fans around the world.
Which K-pop idols aren't religious? Minho (aka Lee Know) from Stray Kids. In a episode of Two Kids Room (a series by Skz), he said that he doesn't have any religion. (It's Hyunjin on the photo but it's actually Minho talking).
In many Indian religions, which include Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, idols (murti) are considered as symbolism for the absolute but not the Absolute, or icons of spiritual ideas, or the embodiment of the divine. It is a means to focus one's religious pursuits and worship (bhakti).
Blackpink's members come from a variety of backgrounds and have a wide range of religious beliefs. Rosé is a Christian and a frequent churchgoer, while Lisa is a Buddhist. Kim, like many other members of her family, is a Christian.