KBS drama 'Main character's First Night' accused of damaging cultural assets

KBS2's new drama "'Main character's First Night" has been mired in controversy for damaging Byeongsan Seowon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, during filming.

The incident came to light after architect Min Seo-hong revealed the situation on his social media. After visiting Byeongsan Seowon on Dec. 30 last year, Min claimed to have witnessed the drama's production crew hammering nails into wooden poles for filming. "There were already many lanterns hanging from the Mandalu pillars," he said, posting a photo of the crew hammering nails into the poles to install lanterns.

The problem was the reaction of the staff. Architect Min pointed out that "we shouldn't damage cultural assets," but the crew protested, saying that they had "received permission from Andong City to film."

"Byeongsan Seowon is Historic Site No. 260 and an important cultural property designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site," Min said, adding that he reported the matter to Andong City Hall and the National Heritage Administration. Andong city officials acknowledged that they had permission to film, but responded that they had ordered the demolition of the structure for damaging cultural assets.

"The use of cultural properties as filming locations is questionable," said Min, adding that he was disappointed that the incident occurred in a public broadcasting KBS drama.

The Andong City Cultural Heritage Department said it had clearly communicated a ban on damaging cultural assets as a condition of filming and immediately took steps to stop filming. However, the incident has been criticized by citizens, and controversy has spread. On Andong City's public report board, the production team was criticized, with strong comments such as "Don't fix the barn after losing the cow" and "Public broadcasting's immoral behavior."

"'Main character's First Night" is a romance fantasy drama about a female college student who is possessed by a character in a romance novel, and stars actors Seo Hyun and Ok Taek Yeon. The drama, which is currently filming, is expected to take a hit to its image due to the controversy.

A representative for the drama declined to comment on the controversy, saying they were "checking the situation." It will be interesting to see what the outcome of this situation will be.