Kyodo News Agency said, "The Buddha statue of Tsushima smuggled into Korea is likely to be returned in May next year."

Kyodo News reported that the Gilt-bronze Gwaneum Bodhisattva statue of the Goryeo Dynasty, which was smuggled into Korea from Tsushima Island in Japan in October 2012, is expected to be returned to Japan after May next year.

Kyodo News reported that Monk Wonwoo, the chief monk of Buseoksa Temple in Seosan, who has claimed ownership of the Buddha statue, expressed his intention to cooperate with the return of the Buddha statue after May next year.

Monk Wonwoo emphasized that the return of the Buddha statue should be carried out regardless of the political situation, regarding the uncertain outlook for Korea-Japan relations after the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol was passed by the National Assembly.

Earlier, Buseoksa Temple hoped to hold a Buddhist song for 100 days before sending the Goryeo Buddha statue to the former collection, the Kannonji, which reportedly expressed its intention of Yongin on the condition of a "certain return."