The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism on Tuesday expressed regret over a recent scandal in which some of its mid-ranking members were caught drinking at a training center.

According to the country’s largest Buddhist sect, its internal audit department has launched an investigation into a recent revelation that 10 monks on Nov. 28 consumed more than three boxes of beer and a box of soju at the Korean Buddhism Culture Center in Gongju, South Chungcheong Province.

The facility is intended for the promotion of Buddhist culture and meditation, and is open to ordinary Buddhist followers.

The Hankyoreh newspaper reported Tuesday that although alcohol was banned from the premises, the monks were openly drinking there, and nobody intervened.

On Tuesday, Ven. Jaseung, president of the Jogye Order, sacked one of the drinkers, a chief of a local temple, and ordered thorough disciplinary action against those responsible.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)