KBS Drama Damages Heritage Site During Filming of Anticipated Series
The Korean entertainment industry is buzzing with controversy after a KBS drama damages heritage site incident that occurred last year. The filming crew for KBS-2TV’s upcoming drama “The First Night With the Duke” caused damage to Byeongsan Seowon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province. This unfortunate event has prompted swift action from Korea’s National Heritage Administration, which recently released new guidelines to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Shocking Heritage Site Damage Incident
The KBS drama damages heritage site controversy erupted when crew members attached props to ten pillars of the historic Mandaeru Pavilion at Byeongsan Seowon. What made this action particularly damaging was their method – they secured new nails into existing holes in the ancient structure, placing additional pressure on the delicate cultural treasure. This site isn’t just any location; it holds dual prestigious status as both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a nationally designated cultural heritage property in Korea.
According to the Cultural Heritage Protection and Utilization Act, such actions constitute clear damage to cultural heritage, regardless of the production team’s intentions. The incident has raised serious questions about the responsibility of entertainment companies when filming at historically significant locations. KBS has since issued a formal apology, stating, “We sincerely apologize for the great concern and disappointment caused. We will actively cooperate with the relevant authorities in their investigation.”
New Guidelines to Protect Heritage Sites from KBS Drama Damages
In direct response to the KBS drama damages heritage site incident, the National Heritage Administration has established comprehensive “Standard Guidelines for Filming Permits on Nationally Designated Cultural Heritage Sites.” These rules, released on March 20, 2025, create a clear framework for production companies seeking to use cultural heritage sites as backdrops for their films and dramas.
The guidelines mandate that filming teams must submit a detailed permit application, activity plan, and a formal pledge to the relevant local government at least 15 days before filming begins. This advance notice allows proper assessment of potential risks to these irreplaceable treasures. Additionally, the rules strongly emphasize safety measures, particularly the assignment of dedicated safety personnel for all filming activities.
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For commercial productions like “The First Night With the Duke” or any shoot involving more than ten crew members, having qualified safety personnel is not just recommended – it’s mandatory. These safety experts must possess specific qualifications, including professional backgrounds in architecture, landscape architecture, history, or archaeology. Cultural heritage interpreters affiliated with local governments can also serve in this essential role.
The guidelines also outline specific prohibitions, including bans on installing separate structures, restrictions on using open flames, measures to prevent visitor inconvenience, and special provisions for protecting plants within heritage sites. These comprehensive rules demonstrate how seriously Korean authorities are taking the KBS drama damages heritage site incident.
Final Thoughts on the KBS Drama Damages Heritage Site During “First Night With Duke” Filming
The incident involving “The First Night With the Duke” production team has become a watershed moment for Korea’s entertainment industry and cultural preservation efforts. The KBS drama damages heritage site controversy has highlighted the delicate balance between creating compelling content and respecting irreplaceable cultural treasures. These new guidelines represent an important step toward ensuring that Korea’s rich cultural heritage remains protected while still allowing creative industries to showcase these beautiful historic settings.
As Seoul Crushers, what do you think about these new guidelines? Should production companies face stricter penalties for damaging cultural heritage sites, or are these new rules sufficient to prevent future incidents?