"Removal of Calligraphy Stone Inscribed by Former President Jeon Du-hwan at Seoul Arts Center and Others Needed"

Assemblyman Kim Young-joo: "If value changes in administration or history are recognized, disposal is possible"

There has been a call to remove the calligraphy stone inscriptions of former President Jeon Du-hwan installed in public institutions.

On the 5th, Kim Young-joo, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated, "The calligraphy stones of Jeon Du-hwan, who was convicted by the Supreme Court in 1997 for rebellion, murder, and bribery, are still prominently installed at the Seoul Arts Center and the National Library of Korea," adding, "They must be removed in accordance with relevant laws." Near the Music Hall of the Seoul Arts Center and the National Library of Korea, there are calligraphy stones inscribed with phrases such as 'Promotion of Culture and Arts' and 'Hall of National Reading Education,' respectively.

In response to Kim's call for removal, the Seoul Arts Center said, "We will proceed with gathering opinions through a council according to regulations." The issue is scheduled to be discussed as an agenda item in the 'Institutional Innovation TF' operating until September. The National Library of Korea also stated, "We will review relocation and removal plans in accordance with relevant laws."

Jeon’s calligraphy stones are registered as 'administrative artifacts' under the 'Public Records Management Act.' According to Article 57, Paragraph 6 of the Enforcement Decree, if it is recognized that the need for permanent preservation is lost due to changes in administrative, historical, cultural, or artistic value, disposal is permitted. Kim said, "Public institutions must follow the procedures for removing Jeon’s calligraphy stones in accordance with relevant laws."

Eighteen pieces of Jeon’s calligraphy, transferred by public institutions to the National Archives as 'administrative artifacts,' are also designated and preserved. These include calligraphy written when Jeon served as the commander of the 1st Airborne Special Forces Brigade in 1971 and inscriptions made during his presidency. Kim stated, "A thorough investigation should be conducted on Jeon’s calligraphy scattered across not only the National Archives but also various public institutions, and removal and disposal should be considered according to relevant laws."