Current Affairs - International - Discussion

South Korea introduced its first humanoid robot monk named Gabi after it completed a traditional Buddhist precept ceremony at the Jogye Temple in Seoul on May 07, 2026. The initiative was organised by the Jogye Order to address the shortage of human monks and attract younger generations toward Buddhism through technology. Developed using China’s Unitree G1 platform, the robot was given symbolic Buddhist elements such as a rosary and a ceremonial burn sticker. Specially modified vows were also designed for the robot, including respecting life, avoiding deception, and saving energy. Gabi is expected to participate in religious and cultural events such as the Yeondeunghoe lantern festival.