DJ NewJeansNim’s Singapore nightclub show next month reportedly cancelled

SINGAPORE: The performance scheduled for “DJ NewJeansNim,” renowned for his monk-like attire, at a local nightclub next month has reportedly been cancelled.

South Korean DJ Yoon Seong-ho, known as “NewJeansNim,” previously stirred controversy when invited to perform in Singapore.

He was initially slated to perform at Club Rich Singapore on the 19th and 20th of June.

According to Chinese media Shin Min Daily News, the owner of Club Rich stated in an interview that they had previously discussed with DJ NewJeansNim whether he could perform without wearing monk robes and playing two songs with Buddhist scripture elements.

However, Mr Yoon insisted on performing in his style, leading the nightclub to decide on cancellation after negotiations.

The nightclub owner mentioned that all ticket holders who have made payments will receive refunds, hoping for customer understanding. He mentioned that the club is currently seeking another DJ for the performance.

Earlier, Club Rich ensured that DJ NewJeansNim would not wear a monk’s robe, use monk’s instruments, or play music related to Buddhist scripture during the performance.

The Singapore Buddhist Federation (SBF) had previously urged for the cancellation of the show.

“NewJeansNim is not a monk who should not put on monk’s robe to perform, which is against (the) Vinaya [the code of conduct for Buddhist monks]. Hopefully, relevant authorities (are) able to reject the permits for (his) performance so (as) to avoid bringing embarrassment to Buddhists,” SBF said on 19 May.

In a statement to the press on 21 May, the Singapore Police Force stated: “The Police are aware of a planned public entertainment performance involving an artiste who incorporates religious elements into his act.”

According to the conditions of the Public Entertainment License, the licensee must ensure that the public entertainment provided at their premises is not likely to offend any race, religion, ethnicity, or nationality or potentially cause disharmony among different groups.

Police noted that given the nature of the planned performance, the act may be in violation of this condition.

The Police noted that given the nature of the planned performance, it may violate this condition.

The police further added that the club has acknowledged its advisory and stated that it will ensure that the performance adheres to the licensing conditions.

This includes ensuring that the performance will not involve any elements associated with religion, whether in attire, hand gestures, artifacts, songs, or lyrics, as stated by SPF.

Minister for Home Affairs and Law, K Shanmugam, remarked earlier on 22 May that the performer has incorporated religious verses into song lyrics and utilized a Buddhist prayer item in his past shows.

“This would have been offensive to our Buddhist community. This is not acceptable,” he said in a Facebook post.

NewJeansNim previously encountered criticism for his performances in Malaysia from Venerable Jue Cheng, the chief abbess of Fo Guang Shan in Singapore and Malaysia, as well as Wee Ka Siong, the president of the Malaysian Chinese Association.

As a result of the controversy, NewJeansNim’s remaining shows in Malaysia were cancelled.

However, despite the backlash, the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism has shown support for NewJeansNim.

At the Seoul International Buddhist Fair on March 30th, Venerable Jinwoo, head of the Jogye Order, presented the DJ with prayer beads and a headset, encouraging collaboration to promote the evolution of Buddhism.