Seoul, South Korea — In a recent statement that has generated widespread debate, former K-pop artist Dawood Kim, who converted to Islam last year, has claimed that “every street of Korea will hear the azaan” (Islamic call to prayer) in the near future. The assertion has stirred both curiosity and controversy across the nation.
Dawood Kim, known for his hit songs and vibrant stage presence, made the statement during an interview with a local news outlet. In the interview, Kim, who now goes by his Islamic name, emphasized his vision of a growing presence of Islam in South Korea. “My faith has opened my eyes to a new vision for Korea,” Kim said. “I truly believe that the azaan will one day be heard across every street of this beautiful country.”
The claim has been met with a range of reactions. Supporters of Kim’s vision argue that it reflects a growing acceptance and understanding of diverse cultures and religions within South Korea. They point to the increasing number of mosques and Islamic cultural centers in the country as evidence of this trend.
Critics, however, have expressed concern over the feasibility and implications of Kim’s statement. Some argue that the widespread implementation of azaan could face significant logistical and cultural challenges, given the country’s predominantly Buddhist and Christian population.
South Korea’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has yet to make an official statement on the matter. However, discussions about the potential impacts on public harmony and religious diversity are expected to continue.
As Korea continues to navigate its evolving cultural landscape, Kim’s provocative statement has certainly set the stage for a broader conversation about the role of religious practices in the nation’s public sphere.
