The Law Must Be Firm, Without Losing Its Humanity
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| Won-bae Song, Dean of Hyeneung International Buddhist University. |
Won-bae Song, Dean of Hyeneung International Buddhist University, recently expressed his stance on the continued detention of Shincheonji Chairman ManHee Lee (shortened text).
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The Republic of Korea is founded on liberal democracy and the rule of law. The law exists not only to maintain order but also to protect human dignity and individual freedom. The Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and the separation of religion and state, requiring laws to be applied fairly and without discrimination.
Legal decisions must therefore be based on law and evidence—not religious affiliation, public sentiment, sympathy, or hostility.
Buddhism likewise emphasises both responsibility and compassion. The principle of karma teaches that actions have consequences, while compassion reminds us that accountability should never come at the expense of human dignity.
This balance has become particularly relevant in the controversy surrounding the detention of Shincheonji Church of Jesus Chairman ManHee Lee, who is 95 years old. Whatever one's view of the case, the question of detention should be determined by law and established legal standards, not emotion or public opinion.
A fair trial requires that guilt be established through due process. Public criticism cannot replace a court's judgment, and the media should report verified facts without prejudging the outcome.
The Criminal Procedure Act treats detention as an exceptional measure, requiring legally recognised grounds such as a risk of flight or destruction of evidence. These standards should apply equally to everyone. Where an extremely elderly person is concerned, factors such as age, health, flight risk, and the possibility of evidence destruction should be carefully considered when determining whether detention is necessary.
Buddhism's Middle Way offers a useful reminder: justice and compassion need not be opposites. A law can be firm while still treating people with dignity.
Ultimately, the case should be decided in court through law and evidence, not public sentiment. A mature legal system upholds accountability while remembering the humanity of those subject to it.
The law must be firm when responsibility is required—but it must never lose its humanity.
Source: vo.la/qFNIvlq
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