South Korean DJ NewJeansNim barred from performing at Singapore nightclub

Youn Sung-ho, who goes by the moniker NewJeansNim, is a comedian-turned-musician. He is credited with reviving Buddhism’s popularity among young South Koreans – even as his performances have ruffled feathers regionally.

He had been slated to perform at a nightclub in Singapore, where laws restrict speech or actions viewed as harmful to religious harmony.

“Police have told the nightclub owners that action will be taken if the performance proceeds. They understood our position, and have agreed to cooperate,” K. Shanmugam said on his Facebook page.

“This news has come out on Vesak Day, an unfortunate coincidence. But the Buddhist community, (like other communities) knows that the government will take firm action, in respect of such things,” he added, referring to the holy Buddhist holiday.

But a second gig planned for later in May was cancelled after his performance saw offended local Buddhists file police complaints.

In South Korea, he has the support of fans and the president of the country’s largest Buddhist sect, the Jogye Order, which has urged him to continue, seeing the DJ as a means of attracting new, younger followers.