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| Choi Eung-chon, the new head of the Cultural Heritage Administration, speaks during a press conference at Korea House in Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap |
By Kwak Yeon-soo
Choi Eung-chon, the new head of the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA), shrugged off criticism from the Cultural Properties Committee and the CHA labor union regarding the government's alleged indifference to preserving the historical and cultural value of the former presidential office, Cheong Wa Dae.
"The labor union doesn't represent the voice of the CHA. However, I agree that Cheong Wa Dae needs to be managed and preserved in the future and discussions about it have not been adequately held. That's because we are still in the process of inspecting the compound," Choi said during a press conference held at Korea House in central Seoul, Wednesday.
The CHA and the Secretary Office to the President have managed the former presidential complex since the Yoon Suk-yeol administration moved the presidential office to Yongsan District in May. However, the gatekeeper of the compound could change in the future, according to Choi.
Earlier in July, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced its plan to curate the historical site as a culture and entertainment complex, including a modern art museum, sculpture park and performance hall. According to the ministry, the former main office building and the official residence will be used as exhibition halls to display some 600 artworks. It also revealed its plans to host various performances on special occasions.
Some critics, however, expressed concerns that the compound should be managed cautiously as a cultural heritage site rather than being transformed into a tourist destination. According to CHA, the number of visitors to the compound has surpassed 1.4 million since its public opening on May 10.
Choi said the CHA will collaborate closely with the culture ministry and the Secretary Office to the President to make sure the significance of the site is emphasized.
"For now, the government is discussing ways to preserve the site's original condition. I don't think that the culture ministry or the secretary's office wants to change up the site drastically. Even if they do, the CHA will definitely know for sure," he said.
The compound contains some 60 cultural assets, having served as the presidential office for more than seven decades.
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