A report has emerged that the production team of the new KBS2 drama titled "I Took Namjoo's First Night" drove nails for filming near Byeongsan Seowon in Hahoe Village, Andong, North Gyeongsang province.
Architect Min Seo-hong noted on the 2nd on Facebook, "I visited Byeongsan Seowon and witnessed an absurd situation. The public broadcaster damaged cultural heritage by driving nails into wooden pillars for drama filming." The post included a photo of vehicles related to the filming of "I Took Namjoo's First Night" and individuals presumed to be part of the drama staff hanging lamps on the Byeongsan Seowon pillars.
Min said, "I visited Byeongsan Seowon around 3 p.m. on the 30th of last month. Near the parking lot, there were about seven buses and trucks for KBS drama filming, and as I got closer to my destination, I noticed many staff members busily coming and going. Only upon reaching the entrance did I realize that Byeongsan Seowon was being used as a filming location. Being a valuable cultural asset, designated as Historic Site No. 260 and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, I entered with somewhat displeased feelings."
Min noted witnessing an absurd situation. "Props that appeared to belong to the drama were scattered throughout the interior of the seowon, and several staff members were driving nails into wooden pillars to hang lamps. Upon looking around, I saw that many lamps were already hanging on Mandaeru's pillars," Min said. "An elderly gentleman was protesting to the staff, and I couldn't just stand by, so I joined in, asking if it was acceptable to damage cultural heritage in such a manner."
Min claimed, "The staff members who were working expressed annoyance, saying, 'We already received permission from Andong city. If you're curious, why don't you ask the city hall? How many times do we have to explain that we have permission?' Afterward, Min personally contacted the cultural heritage department at Andong City Hall and was told by the responsible public official that filming permission had been granted.
In response, Min questioned, "Are you aware that drama staff are driving nails into the wooden pillars, and have you granted permission to damage cultural heritage?" Only then did the startled official reply, "I will immediately order the removal," Min reported.
Min said that on the following day, a phone call was made to check if the city hall had taken action. However, the response from the responsible official was that filming proceeded as planned and that they had contacted the management office. Min remarked, "When I first reported it, I at least hoped the responsible official would visit the site to check the situation and take follow-up action, but I didn't think sufficient measures were taken."
Regarding the drama production team's suspected damage to cultural heritage, KBS stated that they are currently ascertaining the details of the matter.