Seokyeongdeok on the Nail Damage at 'Byeongsan Seowon': "Absurd Incidents Continue to Occur"

As Controversy Grows, "We Apologize... Currently Discussing Procedures for Restoration"

Amid controversy over the KBS drama filming team nailing at Mandaeru of Byeongsan Seowon, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, Professor Seokyung Deok of Sungshin Women's University called for an improvement in civic awareness.

On the 3rd, Professor Seokyung Deok said on his Facebook, "It has been revealed that the production team of KBS's new drama 'I Took Namju's First Night' recently hammered nails in various parts of Byeongsan Seowon located in Andong for filming purposes," adding, "KBS has officially apologized and stated that they are discussing the best possible way to restore the site."

He pointed out, "In recent years, 'cultural heritage damage' has become a serious issue in Korea," citing incidents such as the damage to the burial mound of Seolleung, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in August last year, and the graffiti vandalism on the walls of Gyeongbokgung Palace two years ago, which have continuously occurred. He continued, "It should no longer end with simple punishment; we must improve 'civic awareness' regarding the importance of cultural heritage," emphasizing, "To achieve this, cultural heritage education should be strengthened from elementary school."

Finally, Professor Seokyung Deok urged, "With the global spread of K-content, many foreign tourists are flocking to experience Korean culture and history," adding, "In this situation, we ourselves must first cherish and thoroughly preserve our cultural heritage."

The water stain at Mandae Pavilion, Byeongsan Seowon, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Provided by Andong City

Earlier, Andong City confirmed that the KBS drama filming team left five nail marks on the wooden pillars of Mandaeru on December 30 last year to hang six model lanterns as props, and announced that it is considering legal actions such as filing a complaint. The nail marks were identified as being 2?3 cm thick and about 1 cm deep each.

As the controversy grew, KBS issued an apology along with measures to prevent recurrence, agreed to discuss procedures for restoration, and actively deliberated on additional damages. In the apology, KBS stated, "During the process of installing props, we received complaints from on-site visitors questioning how nails could be hammered into cultural heritage and props hung." They added, "Regardless of the reason, we recognize the seriousness of the situation that occurred on site and sincerely apologize," and said, "The drama staff are currently conducting on-site inspections with Byeongsan Seowon officials and discussing procedures for restoration."

Meanwhile, Byeongsan Seowon is Cultural Heritage Material No. 260 and a registered UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Among its structures, Mandaeru is a precious heritage recognized as a representative example of Korean seowon pavilions, showcasing the modest and restrained architectural features of mid-Joseon Dynasty buildings. It is also designated as a Treasure.