Seo-hyun and Ok Taec-yeon Star in 'Namju's First Night' Controversy
The KBS drama production team has sparked controversy after eyewitness reports claimed they damaged Byeongsan Seowon, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, while installing props for filming.
Architect Min Seohong recently posted on his social media, "I visited Byeongsan Seowon and witnessed a shocking situation," stating that "a public broadcaster damaged cultural heritage by nailing into wooden pillars for drama filming purposes." The accompanying photos showed what appeared to be KBS2's new drama 'I Took Namju's First Night' filming vehicles and staff leaning against the Seowon pillars.
KBS drama production team carrying lanterns at Byeongsan Seowon. Photo captured from Min Seohong's Facebook.
On the 2nd, Mr. Min shared more detailed eyewitness accounts. He said, "I visited Byeongsan Seowon around 3 p.m. on the 30th of last month," adding, "Near the parking lot, about seven buses and trucks belonging to the KBS drama filming crew were parked. As I approached the destination, I saw many staff members bustling about, and only upon reaching the entrance did I realize Byeongsan Seowon was the filming location." He explained the circumstances that led him to witness the situation. He continued, "Since Byeongsan Seowon is Historic Site No. 260 and a precious cultural heritage listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage, I entered with somewhat unpleasant feelings."
Mr. Min said, "Inside the Seowon, various items that appeared to be drama props were placed here and there, and some staff members were nailing into wooden pillars to hang lanterns," adding, "Upon looking around, many lanterns were already hanging on the pillars of Mandaeru." He recounted, "An elderly gentleman was protesting to the staff, and I could not just stand by, so I also asked, 'Is it okay to damage cultural heritage like this?'"
He claimed that the staff working on the site responded irritably, saying, "We already have permission from Andong City, and if you're curious, you can inquire at the city hall," and "How many times do we have to explain that we have permission?" displaying a brazen attitude.
Mr. Min later contacted the Cultural Heritage Division of Andong City Hall himself and received a response from the responsible official that "filming permission was granted." He said, "I asked if they were aware that drama staff were nailing into wooden pillars and whether they had authorized damaging cultural heritage. The official, taken aback, replied that they would immediately order removal."
When Mr. Min inquired the next day, December 31, whether the city had taken any action, the official replied that "filming proceeded as planned and that they had contacted the management office," he added. He criticized, "When I first reported it, I hoped the responsible official would visit the site to check the situation and manage it afterward, but it seems sufficient measures were not taken."
Regarding the allegations of cultural heritage damage by the drama production team, KBS issued a statement that day saying, "We recognize the seriousness of the situation that occurred on site and sincerely apologize," adding, "We are currently discussing the exact situation and the best ways to restore the site. The drama staff are coordinating with Byeongsan Seowon officials to inspect the site and discuss restoration procedures." They also apologized, stating, "We will actively discuss measures to prevent recurrence and address any additional potential damage."
The drama 'I Took Namju's First Night' is a romance fantasy about an ordinary female college student's soul inhabiting the body of a minor character in a romance novel. It stars Seo Hyun, Ok Taecyeon, Kwon Hansol, Seo Beomjun, among others, and is scheduled to air this year.
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