Seoul: Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young has declared that the government will utilize all legal avenues to prevent the construction of ultra-high-rise buildings near Jongmyo Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site in central Seoul. The project has stirred debate due to Jongmyo's status as a significant cultural heritage site, dating back to the 14th century during the Joseon Dynasty.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Chae's position was first announced during a visit to Jongmyo on November 7, following the Supreme Court's decision to uphold the Seoul metropolitan council's ordinance revision. This decision appears to facilitate the construction of taller buildings near the historic site, with the Seoul city government's redevelopment plan permitting structures up to 145 meters high, more than doubling the previous height restriction.

In an interview marking his first 100 days in office, Chae emphasized that cultural heritage can still be safeguarded within the current legal framework. He stated that the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) would persist in taking appropriate legal steps as outlined by the law.

Chae highlighted that the court's ruling affirmed KHS's authority to undertake various actions under the Cultural Heritage Act, independent of the ordinance. He mentioned that the KHS's recent designation of the area around Jongmyo as a "world heritage zone" under domestic law exemplifies such measures. The agency intends to request a World Heritage Impact Assessment from the Seoul city government to evaluate the potential threats posed by construction projects to the site's cultural significance.

Addressing Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon's claim that the redevelopment would improve Jongmyo's surroundings with a new green space, Chae stressed the importance of balancing protection with progress. He urged the city to obtain expert assessments and seek public consultation, suggesting a temporary halt to the project to find a mutually agreeable solution.