my timesThe Korea Times

Tear down that old ugly building!

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By Kim Ji-soo

The construction of the new Seoul City Hall is entering its last stage.

An odd sight is the old City Hall dating back to the Japanese colonial era that still stands, partially blocking the view of the new building.

Some may want the old building to be demolished soon, but this is unlikely because it is designated as a historic site.

Critics question the point of preserving the building, which they say is only a reminder of the Japanese colonial occupation of Korea.

They say it is too high a price for Seoul citizens to bear the eyesore created by the sight of the two buildings that are so artistically alien to each other.

One Seoul citizen feels like crying out, “Tear down that ugly building!”