[BTN뉴스] 동자승이 수녀와 춤을?‥관념타파 ‘부다핸섭’

📌 Go to become a regular sponsor of BTN News, delivering all news from the domestic and international Buddhist community https://btn.co.kr/btnnews/cms.html [Anchor] Buddhist content, which previously centered on temple introductions and sermons, is undergoing a bold transformation to suit the sensibilities of the younger generation. A short film featuring the story of young novice monks dancing excitedly in temple halls and cathedral courtyards is garnering significant attention in the global market. Reporter Lee Ji-soo covered the story. --------------------------------- 〔Report〕 A young novice monk and a nun swaying their bodies together to an upbeat rhythm, using the cathedral courtyard as their stage. This is the film *Buddha Hands Up: Prequel*, where different religions naturally become one within the rhythm. Unlike existing Buddhist content that focused on sermons, temple introductions, or documentaries, this film presents Buddhism viewed through the pure eyes of a child through dynamic performances. In particular, the young novice monk's free imagination utilizes AI technology to add to the viewing pleasure. Director Kwak Yong-geun incorporated bold attempts to allow the younger generation to experience Buddhism in a more enjoyable and free way, rather than directly explaining it to them. Kwak Yong-geun / Director of the film Buddha Hands Up: Prequel (Because there is a common perception among young people that Buddhism is solemn, distant, and something to be visited only when it is quiet, this film shows that Buddhism can be enjoyable, happy, and felt through dance and music from a child's perspective...) A Buddhist temple and a Catholic church, a young monk and a nun. Two beings meet in a space where the religious stereotypes created by adults have been erased. The young monk Hyeonjin does not view the Catholic church as a difficult and heavy space; instead, driven by instinct, he naturally shares the dance and music he loves. Their pure movements convey the meaning of coexistence through a perspective that does not separate religion from people. The child's movements, which tear down the fences of religion, make us reflect on the boundaries of stereotypes erected by adults. Even for actor Seo Do-jun, who shaved his head and studied Buddhism including the Thousand Hands Sutra for the role, the performance inside the temple was the most special form of spiritual practice and challenge. Seo Do-jun / Role of the young monk Hyun-jin in the movie Buddha Hands Up: Prequel (The most memorable scene for me is dancing in the temple; I had never actually danced there before and had only imagined it, but I think it is the most memorable because I actually got to dance.) Content released ahead of the official premiere garnered attention in the global market as well. It recorded a cumulative 100 million views on Chinese social media and surpassed approximately 5 million views on Instagram, attracting intense interest. By presenting Buddhism in a language that anyone around the world can intuitively understand without subtitles, the film demonstrates the potential for the globalization of cultural evangelism. Reflecting on the essence of religion, the movie trendily identifies the direction in which Buddhist culture should move forward as K-content. Kwak Yong-geun / Director of the film Buddha Hands Up: Prequel (I think consideration lies at the foundation of any religion, regardless of what it is. Buddhism can be this entertaining, and it can unite with people all over the world through the mediums of music and dance.) The film Buddha Hands Up: Prequel is set to return to global audiences as a feature film that expands beyond simple entertainment to convey messages of enlightenment and compassion. This is Lee Ji-soo from BTN News.