Seoul's Representative Historical and Cultural Event '2022 Jeongdong Night Tour'
Costume Rental Program Features Emperor and Japanese Police Uniforms
Seoul City: "Costumes Not Pre-Approved with Vendor"
Last Month, 'Rising Sun Flag Painting' Controversy at Gwanghwamun
Citizens are taking a walk in front of Deoksugung Palace in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@
[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] Controversy has arisen over costumes reminiscent of the Japanese colonial period appearing at 'Jeongdong Night Tour,' a historical and cultural event in Seoul.
Seoul City held the '2022 Jeongdong Night Tour' event over two days from the 23rd to the 24th in the Jeongdong area of Jung-gu for the first time in three years. Many citizens gathered to enjoy history and culture through various performances and experiences while touring embassies and museums open at night in Jeongdong, the center of modern culture.
Among these, the program 'Jeongdong Hwanbokso,' which rents out late Joseon Dynasty and Hanbok costumes for a fee, became the center of controversy. Participants could try on Emperor Gojong's attire or the uniforms of the Korean Empire army and tour Jeongdong. However, the inclusion of costumes representing the Japanese Emperor and Japanese police officers caused problems.
In fact, a post on an online community showed a notice at the Hwanbokso stating that 'Japanese military police' and 'Japanese Emperor' costumes were rented for 20,000 won. One netizen posted a photo of the Japanese Emperor and Japanese police uniforms displayed on the street, saying, "This is the scene you can see if you go to Jeongdong now." They added, "They rent out Japanese police uniforms as late Joseon period costumes."
This led to criticism that "renting out Japanese Emperor and Japanese police uniforms is inappropriate." Especially, netizens expressed outrage over the appearance of costumes reminiscent of the Japanese colonial period at an event designed to experience Korea's pre-modern and modern history and culture.
Earlier, Joo Yong-tae, head of Seoul City's Culture Headquarters, promoted Jeongdong Night Tour by saying, "The Jeongdong area was the central stage of the Korean Empire's modern history and is a special space with the potential to revive as the center of Korean culture." At the time, he emphasized, "We will strive to make Jeongdong Night Tour a representative festival of Seoul so that many citizens can feel the unique atmosphere and historical authenticity of Jeongdong."
Regarding this, Seoul City explained that the company operating Jeongdong Hwanbokso displayed the costumes without prior consultation. While admitting some negligence in on-site management and supervision, the city stated it will hold the company legally responsible for violating the contract.
Meanwhile, this is not the first time Seoul City has faced controversy related to the Japanese colonial era. Last month, a newly renovated bus stop at Gwanghwamun Square sparked controversy for displaying an image reminiscent of the Rising Sun Flag. The image also depicted the Government-General of Korea building, constructed during the Japanese colonial period. Although Seoul City explained that the intention was different, the image was removed after ongoing controversy.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
