Prime Minister Kim: "After Kim Keonhee's Misconduct, Seoul Pushes High-Rise Development... Jongmyo Under Threat"

Prime Minister Kim Minseok on the 10th criticized, "Jongmyo is under threat," adding, "After the unimaginable misconduct of Kim Keonhee was revealed, now the Seoul Metropolitan Government is pushing for high-rise development right in front of Jongmyo."

Kim Minseok, Prime Minister. Photo by Jo Yongjun

Through his Facebook account that morning, Prime Minister Kim stated, "The debate surrounding the development of the World Heritage Site, which is both a source of national pride and a symbol, and its surrounding area is not simply a confrontation between development and preservation," expressing his concerns.

He emphasized, "Cultural heritage within the city center, especially UNESCO World Heritage Sites, requires 'cultural development' that seeks sustainable harmony between historical value and the need for development," and added, "Serious concerns have been raised that the Seoul Metropolitan Government's high-rise plan is so threatening that it could even result in Jongmyo losing its World Heritage designation."

Prime Minister Kim warned, "The idea of constructing buildings twice as tall as originally planned could damage the 'outstanding universal value' defined by the Special Act on World Heritage, and could become a short-sighted move that undermines the national interest and national wealth by running counter to the revitalization of K-tourism. Given the recent controversy over the Han River bus project, the Seoul Metropolitan Government should listen even more carefully to public concerns." He further pointed out, "The Supreme Court's ruling on whether the Seoul Metropolitan Council's proposed ordinance amendment conflicts with the higher-level Cultural Heritage Protection Act (currently the Cultural Heritage Act) does not address all issues related to constructing high-rise buildings right in front of a World Heritage Site managed by a special law."

In relation to this, Prime Minister Kim is scheduled to visit Jongmyo in person that day, accompanied by Yoo Hongjun, Director of the National Museum of Korea, Heo Min, Administrator of the National Heritage Administration, and Kim Kyungmin, Professor of Urban Planning at Seoul National University. Prime Minister Kim announced, "With today's visit to Jongmyo, I will instruct the initiation of legal and institutional improvements to appropriately address this issue."