First Lady's Private Use of Jongmyo Shrine Sparks Controversy: Korea Heritage Service Issues Apology
2024-12-29
The Korea Times
The Korea Heritage Service has issued a public apology for allowing first lady Kim Keon Hee to use Seoul's historic Jongmyo Shrine for a private event, sparking controversy and debate over the use of cultural heritage sites for personal purposes. The agency acknowledged the mistake and expressed regret for any inconvenience caused, emphasizing the importance of preserving national cultural treasures like Jongmyo Shrine for the public. The incident has raised questions about the management of cultural heritage sites and the balance between public access and private use, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability. Key issues include cultural heritage preservation and public access.