Seoul: Prime Minister Kim Min-seok announced that the government will review Seoul's plan to develop a new park at Gwanghwamun Square that honors veterans from the 22 countries that participated in the Korean War. This announcement highlights ongoing disputes between Kim and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon regarding significant city initiatives, such as the construction of a high-rise near the historic Jongmyo Shrine and safety issues following a recent river bus incident on the Han River.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim emphasized the importance of considering the project from a national perspective, taking into account public opinion, and executing it sensibly. During his visit to the park's construction site, named the "Garden of Gratitude," Kim tasked the interior ministry with identifying any legal or procedural issues related to the project.
In February, Seoul introduced plans to erect symbolic sculptures at the park to express gratitude to the nations that aided South Korea during the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. Kim raised concerns about public acceptance of sculptures resembling a rifle salute, given their proximity to the statues of esteemed historical figures, King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin, at the same location.
Kim questioned the urgency of the project and suggested an alternative location might be more appropriate. Additionally, he expressed apprehension after a river bus on the Han River, part of a project championed by Mayor Oh, encountered safety issues, halting in shallow waters. The service has faced scrutiny from the ruling party regarding its safety.
Kim's visit to Jongmyo Shrine last week was aimed at evaluating the impact of Seoul's redevelopment plan, cautioning that new high-rise structures could jeopardize South Korea's cultural heritage. Jongmyo Shrine, where the royal family of the Joseon Dynasty's ancestral tablets are housed, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and holds significant cultural importance.
In response, Mayor Oh expressed his disappointment in a Facebook post and called for a public debate, criticizing the central government for what he perceived as unilateral censure of the city's actions.