"Complex Cultural Arts Space Cheongwadae? Regression Ignoring Historical Significance"

Cultural Heritage Administration Union Opposes Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Plan
"Cannot Be Replaced by Short-Term Planning by Some Bureaucrats"

The Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) labor union has opposed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's plan to transform Cheongwadae into a complex cultural and artistic space. On the 25th, the National Public Officials Labor Union Cultural Heritage Administration branch issued a statement expressing concern over the Ministry's minister's report to turn Cheongwadae into a massive art museum styled like the Palace of Versailles.

On the 21st, Minister Park Bo-gyun of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism presented a plan during a presidential briefing to utilize parts of the Cheongwadae main building and the presidential residence as cultural and artistic exhibition spaces, and to create presidential historical cultural spaces, arboretums, and sculpture parks. The union criticized this, saying, "We cannot help but ask whether this is a regression that disregards Cheongwadae's historical significance and democratic openness, reverting it to a grand and lavish palace." They also criticized the exclusion of the current managing body, the Cultural Heritage Administration, from prior discussions. Since May, after Cheongwadae was opened to the public, the CHA has been delegated authority by the Presidential Office to open and manage facilities within the Cheongwadae area. They have also established an internal organization called the Cheongwadae Public Opening Promotion Team.

The union questioned, "Has the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism ever consulted or listened to the opinions of relevant experts who aim to preserve and manage cultural heritage or the Cultural Heritage Administration? Or did they unilaterally notify this as a so-called higher authority?" They also pointed out, "Can a crucial plan to preserve and enjoy Cheongwadae, with its 1,000-year history, for generations be replaced by a short-term plan devised by a few bureaucrats?" Furthermore, they emphasized, "We cannot help but express concern over the Ministry's plan that damages Cheongwadae's historical and cultural identity," and insisted, "We must reconsider the purpose of opening Cheongwadae and how to preserve its historical significance."

The CHA labor union has 498 members. Including supporting members of grade 5 and above, the total reaches about 700.