Kim Geon-hee's Controversy Over the Use of Jongmyo Shrine Leads National Heritage Agency to Revise Regulations

The National Heritage Agency has decided to revise related regulations five months after the controversy over Kim Geon-hee's use of Jongmyo Shrine surfaced last year. The revisions include eliminating exceptions for the use of royal palaces and tombs and requiring the registration of visits by prominent individuals.

Previously, Kim Geon-hee held a private meeting with outsiders at the Mangmyo Pavilion within Jongmyo Shrine on September 3 of last year, which was a day the shrine was closed to the public. This instance was criticized as a misuse of national heritage for private purposes, facilitated by the presidential office.

Upon the revelation of this incident, the National Heritage Agency issued an official apology and announced an administrative notice for strengthened usage regulations five months later.

According to the National Heritage Agency on the 23rd, the main content of the revised regulations includes the removal of exception criteria for site usage permits and the requirement to register inspection results within two weeks for visits by prominent figures. Additionally, the filming regulations have been detailed to categorize them into commercial and non-commercial use.

Background of the Controversy and Allegations of Favoritism

According to the regulations at the time, Kim Geon-hee was required to obtain permission from the director of the National Heritage Agency's Royal Tombs and Palaces Division for her use of Jongmyo. However, she bypassed this procedure by making a request through the presidential office.

In response to the allegations of favoritism, Lee Jae-pil, the head of the Royal Tombs and Palaces Division, explained that he applied the exception rule, believing it to be a national event.

However, the situation intensified when it became known that one of the attendees was the son of an American painter connected to Covana Contents, associated with Kim Geon-hee. Furthermore, the lack of any documentation aside from Kim Geon-hee's visit drew criticism.

The National Heritage Agency has specified that the revised regulations aim to eliminate exceptions for site usage permits that are not equitable and formally establish rules for monitoring visits by prominent domestic and international figures. The standards for filming within royal tombs and palaces have also been revised.

This revised proposal is expected to be finalized after gathering opinions from various sectors by the 13th of next month.

Image Source: News1, Jongmyo Mangmyo Pavilion / News1