President Lee Raises Concerns Over Management of Cultural Assets
"Abnormal Practices Must Meet Public Standards"
Heritage Administration Chief: "We Have Changed the System"
Briefed on Redevelopment Controversy Near Jongmyo
On December 16, President Lee Jaemyung addressed the controversy over redevelopment near Jongmyo during a briefing from the National Heritage Administration at the Sejong Convention Center. After being briefed on the issue, he raised concerns about the management of cultural assets stored at the National Museum, stating, "All administration must meet the standards of the people. Neither the president nor ministers are members of a privileged class." His remarks are interpreted as a pointed reference to the fact that former President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife borrowed 63 pieces of master craftsman artworks from the National Heritage Administration’s Traditional Craft Bank during his term.
Regarding the debate over high-rise development around Jongmyo, President Lee noted, "There is controversy because of Jongmyo. The plan to build high-rise buildings nearby is the source of the debate." Heo Min, Commissioner of the National Heritage Administration, responded, "High-rise buildings must undergo a World Heritage Impact Assessment," emphasizing that their stance is that the city of Seoul cannot proceed as it wishes.
Commissioner Heo explained that the government plans to designate the Jongmyo area as a "World Heritage District" to strengthen management and to revise domestic laws related to World Heritage. He stated, "After a year of review with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, we are proceeding with the (World Heritage-related) system, aiming for passage in the State Council by March next year. This will require the city of Seoul to fulfill obligations under domestic law."
Regarding the height of buildings near Jongmyo, Commissioner Heo mentioned, "The regulation we want is 71.9 meters," and added, "Although the city of Seoul has gone through adjustment meetings, they have not yet given an answer." President Lee reconfirmed, "So, there is no conclusion yet."
President Lee also raised issues with the management and viewing practices of cultural assets stored at the museum. He stated, "There is significant public interest in the management of cultural assets in storage, not just those designated for public viewing. There are even rumors that anyone could go in and borrow them." Commissioner Heo replied, "So far, everything has been returned." When President Lee asked, "Wasn't one piece broken during the lending process?" Commissioner Heo responded, "We handled it by collecting about 3 million won in compensation." President Lee remarked, "Isn't it problematic for things to be managed so abnormally in a private manner?" Commissioner Heo promised to prevent recurrence, stating, "There must be management both when items are borrowed and returned."
Additionally, Commissioner Heo acknowledged management shortcomings, saying, "We admit the mistakes made over the past three years and apologize to the public." He reported that "there were exception rules that had been routinely applied to external figures, including the president, but these have now been abolished." He continued, "Going forward, we will disclose visitor and viewer requests once a month internally."
In response, President Lee emphasized, "All administration must meet the standards of the people. Neither the president nor ministers are members of a privileged class. Unless there is a rational reason for exceptional treatment, everything must be handled equally and in line with public expectations." Commissioner Heo replied, "That is why we changed the system."
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