Busan Jung-gu Replaces Tiles Three Days After Construction
"Cannot Step on Chungmugong" VS "Excessive Reaction"
Busan Jung-gu District Office replaced floor tiles depicting Admiral Yi Sun-sin at the entrance of Yongdusan Park just three days after installation amid controversy over historical awareness.
The decision reflected criticism that it was inappropriate for Japanese tourists and others to step on tiles bearing Admiral Yi Sun-sin's image, though some argued the reaction was overly sensitive.
On the 9th, Busan Jung-gu announced that on the 4th, floor tiles featuring Admiral Yi Sun-sin were installed at the escalator entrance leading to Yongdusan Park on Gwangbok-ro. This was part of the 'Gwangbok-ro Area Pedestrian Environment Improvement Project,' with a budget of 423 million KRW, and the construction was scheduled to be completed within the month.
However, it became known that the tiles with Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s image were placed right in front of the escalator entrance to Yongdusan Park, making it difficult for pedestrians to avoid stepping on them, leading to criticism questioning whether it was appropriate to walk on the image of Admiral Yi Sun-sin.
In particular, Gwangbok-ro is a popular destination for Japanese tourists, raising concerns that they might step on the image of Admiral Yi Sun-sin laid on the ground.
Online communities saw numerous criticisms such as, "There is no place in the world that honors a national hero with pavement blocks," and "What if someone spits on Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s face or litters?" Many citizens reportedly called the district office to lodge complaints.
Mr. Kim, in his 40s, told Yonhap News, "They could have considered various methods, such as depicting Admiral Yi Sun-sin on the ascending stairs or walls," adding, "It is absurd to think that Japanese tourists visiting would step on the image of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, who defeated the Japanese invaders during the Imjin War."
On the other hand, some argued that such criticism was an overly sensitive reaction.
Mr. Jung, in his 30s, told Yonhap News, "Tiles are just tiles," and said, "The idea of stepping on Admiral Yi Sun-sin does not come to mind unless one deliberately tries to think so; it seems like an overly sensitive interpretation."
Some netizens commented, "Rather than thinking about Japanese tourists stepping on it, it should be understood as an effort to introduce Admiral Yi Sun-sin to foreigners," and "This is excessive solemnity."
Following the controversy, Jung-gu began reconsideration just one day after installation on the 5th and completely replaced the tiles depicting Admiral Yi Sun-sin on the 7th.
A Jung-gu official said, "The tiles were originally created to widely promote the view of Yongdusan Park, where Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s statue is installed, but we apologize for causing controversy contrary to the original intent."
He added, "In future projects, we will not only reflect diverse opinions from citizens but also devote great care to appropriately incorporating historical awareness."
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