Regulations Revised Following Controversy Over Kim Keon-hee's Private Use of Jongmyo Shrine

Criteria for Exceptions Related to Major Events Removed

The Cultural Heritage Administration's Royal Palaces and Tombs Center has decided to revise relevant regulations following controversy over former President Yoon Suk-yeol's wife, Kim Keon-hee, allegedly using Jongmyo Shrine for private purposes. According to the National Heritage Administration on April 23, it has issued a notice of proposed amendment to the "Regulations on Viewing Royal Palaces and Tombs," which includes partial revisions regarding filming and venue use at palaces and tombs. The administration plans to review opinions from various sectors until May 13 and implement the changes thereafter.

The Royal Palaces and Tombs Center has tightened existing regulations, which require users to obtain permission from the head of the center to use or film locations within palaces or Jongmyo Shrine. The amendment removes previous exceptions that applied to major events, and it formalizes a rule requiring monitoring and registration of visits by major domestic and international figures within 14 days.

Previously, exceptions for venue use were only granted for events hosted or organized by the head of the National Heritage Administration or the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center, visits by heads of state, and government-hosted commemorative events. However, in September 2024, it was revealed that Kim Keon-hee held a tea meeting with outsiders at Mangmyoru in Jongmyo Shrine, prompting criticism from the political sphere that this constituted "private use."

The Royal Palaces and Tombs Center, having clarified the standards and subjects for review, also revised the criteria for filming within royal palaces and tombs. Filming is now categorized as either commercial (such as movies, dramas, advertisements) or non-commercial (such as commemorative photos, news coverage) based on the concept, purpose, and nature of the resulting material. Aerial filming using unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), which had been a source of controversy, will now be permitted only when conducted by public institutions for public interest purposes or when recognized by the head of the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center.