Seokyeongdeok "Cultural Heritage Graffiti Vandalism Must Be Strongly Punished as an Example"

'Severe Punishment' Demanded for Gyeongbokgung Wall Graffiti Perpetrator
"A Good Example Must Be Set"

Professor Seokyung Deok from Sungshin Women's University, who is actively promoting Korean culture, recently called for severe punishment for the teenage suspects who sprayed graffiti on the walls of Gyeongbokgung Palace and fled, stating that "they must be made an example of."

In a post on Facebook on the 20th, Professor Seo said, "The walls of Gyeongbokgung Palace, a cultural heritage representing Korea, have recently been stained by 'graffiti terror,' angering the public," adding, "It is no exaggeration to say that this is the heart of South Korea and a must-visit place for foreign tourists, making this situation even more painful."

On the morning of the 17th, Cultural Heritage Administration officials were removing graffiti sprayed by a suspect the previous day in front of the Gyeongbokgung Palace wall near the side gate of the National Palace Museum in Jongno-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

He also compared this incident to the 2008 arson attack on Sungnyemun Gate. Professor Seo evaluated, "From Sungnyemun to Gyeongbokgung, 'cultural heritage terrorism' is being carried out."

He continued, "Based on past cases, light punishments will not protect our cultural heritage," emphasizing, "All citizens must realize that damaged cultural assets are difficult to restore to their original form. The important thing is that this time, a strong punishment must be imposed to set a good example."

Earlier, in the early morning of the 16th, graffiti was discovered on the walls of Gyeongbokgung Palace, sparking controversy. The Cultural Heritage Administration, together with the police, tracked the suspects and mobilized experts from related organizations to begin restoration work. However, on the following day, the 17th, additional graffiti was found.

The suspects, Im Mo (17) and Kim Mo (16), were arrested by the police on the afternoon of the 19th, 90 hours after the crime. They are a couple and testified that they committed the act after a friend offered them money.

Meanwhile, restoration work is currently underway on the palace walls damaged by the graffiti. Previously, the Cultural Heritage Administration estimated that the restoration would take about a week or more.