The Gyeongbokgung Palace wall, which fell victim to a "spray graffiti terror" incident, has completed its first-phase restoration and was unveiled today, approximately 19 days after the graffiti vandalism occurred in December.
The pristine appearance of the restored wall, particularly the Yeongchumun Gate, was showcased on today's NewsMaker segment.
The Cultural Heritage Administration had diligently worked on the restoration, employing screens to shield the area and focusing on emergency repairs, considering the harsh weather conditions and the state of the stone. As of now, the restoration progress stands at around 80%.
A total of 234 individuals were involved in the restoration efforts, with an average of 29.3 workers per day braving the cold to remove the graffiti. The cost of restoring the defaced wall, including expenses for renting laser cleaning equipment, disposable items like dustproof clothing, gloves, and work shoes, amounted to 21.53 million won.
This figure does not encompass expert labor costs and other expenses, and the total cost is expected to rise significantly when factoring in these additional aspects.
The Cultural Heritage Administration plans to engage a professional appraisal organization to assess the overall cost and then seek compensation for damages. Compensation claims are anticipated to be filed against all three individuals involved in the graffiti incident – the teenagers responsible for the initial vandalism and the twenty-something individuals who committed a similar offense.
Simultaneously, the police are diligently pursuing the mastermind behind the graffiti, known as 'Team Leader Lee.' They are analyzing social media conversations and bank accounts to track down the individuals who orchestrated the graffiti terror.
The Cultural Heritage Administration affirmed its commitment to responding resolutely and without leniency, vowing to make every effort to prevent similar crimes in the future.
As part of future preventative measures, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced plans to install 110 CCTV cameras not only at Gyeongbokgung but also at other cultural heritage sites such as Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, Jongmyo, and the outer perimeters of the royal palaces. This comprehensive approach aims to fortify security and protect our cultural heritage from potential threats.
While strengthening penalties for graffiti offenders and enhancing preventative systems are essential, it is equally crucial for all of us to recognize our collective responsibility in preserving and nurturing our precious cultural heritage.