Decided Not to Bring to Trial
Considering Circumstances and Consequences of the Offense
The prosecution has decided to suspend the indictment against the KBS drama production team that nailed into the Mandaeru Pavilion at Byeongsan Seowon.
On July 2, the Andong Branch of the Daegu District Prosecutors' Office announced that it had suspended the indictment of three members of the KBS drama production team who had been accused of violating the Act on the Preservation and Utilization of Cultural Heritage. The prosecution acknowledged the facts of the case, but decided not to bring them to trial, taking into account the circumstances and consequences of the offense.
The KBS drama production team members were reported by citizens and the city of Andong for nailing into six spots on the beam heads of Mandaeru Pavilion and one pillar of the Dongjae dormitory at Byeongsan Seowon on December 30 last year, in order to hang six prop lanterns. Each nail hole was found to be 2 to 3 mm thick and about 1 to 1.5 cm deep.
Byeongsan Seowon is a historic site and a UNESCO World Heritage site. In particular, Mandaeru Pavilion, designated as a national treasure, is regarded as a representative example of seowon pavilions in Korea, showcasing the simple and restrained architectural style of the mid-Joseon period.
Following continued criticism and public concern, KBS issued an official apology, promised to establish measures to prevent a recurrence, and agreed to consult on restoration procedures. All footage filmed at the site in question was discarded.
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