"Already Filmed, Now Changing the Story"... National Heritage Administration Refutes Seoul's Claims

"Only 10 People Listed on Application, But Attempted Large-Scale Briefing"
"Stop Spreading False Claims and Submit UNESCO Materials"

Sewoon Sangga and Redevelopment Area Visible Beyond Jongmyo Shrine Photo by Yonhap News

After the Seoul Metropolitan Government publicly criticized the National Heritage Administration, claiming that it had "refused permission to film at Jongmyo Shrine," the National Heritage Administration responded by firmly refuting the claim as "a false statement that does not reflect the facts." The agency argued that Seoul attempted to push ahead with a large-scale event without prior consultation, using "simple filming" as an excuse.

On January 7, the National Heritage Administration issued a statement, dismissing Seoul's claim that the agency unilaterally denied permission to film at the Sangwoldae area of Jongmyo Shrine as "completely untrue." According to the administration, on December 26 of the previous year, Seoul applied for a filming permit, listing the number of participants as "10." However, the reality was different. It was not a simple filming activity, but rather a large-scale on-site briefing session presided over by the head of the Urban Space Headquarters of Seoul, with around 50 participants, including members of the press.

The National Heritage Administration stated, "The refusal to allow filming at Jongmyo Shrine was an unavoidable administrative measure taken after confirming that an event of a completely different nature from the original application was being planned," adding, "Given the need to preserve and manage Jongmyo Shrine as a World Heritage Site and to maintain the visitor environment, we cannot allow a large-scale gathering that could be disguised as something else."

The agency also rejected Seoul's claim that it was "denied an opportunity for objective verification" as "nonsensical." According to the National Heritage Administration, Seoul had already completed simulation filming in front of the Jongmyo Jeongjeon Hall on December 21 of the previous year, with official approval from the authorities.

Heo Min, Director of the National Heritage Administration

The National Heritage Administration further stated, "To claim that verification was denied despite sufficient filming having already taken place is a clear attempt to mislead public opinion," emphasizing that "important matters such as joint simulations should be discussed through the official channel established last year, the 'Pre-coordination Meeting among the National Heritage Administration, Seoul Metropolitan Government, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.'" The agency added, "Rather than engaging in media manipulation, Seoul should promptly comply with the UNESCO World Heritage Centre's request for materials, which has already passed the submission deadline."