(2nd LD) Seoul palace-vandalism
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| ▲ A phrase that reads "free movie" in Korean is sprayed in red on the walls of Gyeongbok Palace in central Seoul on Dec. 16, 2023. (Yonhap) |
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| ▲ Phrases that read "free movie" in Korean are sprayed in red and blue on both sides of the western gate to Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul in this photo provided by the Cultural Heritage Administration on Dec. 16, 2023. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
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| ▲ Graffiti sprayed on the walls of Gyeongbok Palace in central Seoul has been temporarily covered up by officials on Dec. 16, 2023. (Yonhap) |
(2nd LD) Seoul palace-vandalism
(2nd LD) Police tracking suspect of 44-meter graffiti vandalism at Seoul palace
(ATTN: REWRITES headline, lead; ADDS details, photos)
SEOUL, Dec. 16 (Yonhap) -- Police are tracking down the person behind graffiti spanning some 44 meters sprayed on the walls of Gyeongbok Palace in central Seoul, officials said Saturday.
The suspect repeatedly sprayed the phrase "free movie" in Korean, in red and blue paint, on both sides of the western gate to the palace and palace walls near the National Palace Museum of Korea at around 1:50 a.m., according to officials.
Also sprayed were the names of illegal video-sharing and streaming platforms, with similar graffiti also found on the walls of the nearby Seoul Metropolitan Agency.
The damage incurred by the apparent vandalism on the two parts of the palace walls measures more than 44 meters in length and between 2 and 2.4 meters in height, according to officials.
Upon receiving a report at 2:20 a.m., police started analyzing CCTV footage and reviewing whether they can hold the suspect accountable for violating the Cultural Protection Heritage Act, according to officials.
The Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA), which preserves cultural assets, said it will swiftly launch a probe and restore the damage.
The agency has temporarily covered up the graffiti and plans to dispatch preservation specialists to the scene to clean and restore affected parts.
CHA said it is closely cooperating with police and plans to install more CCTV cameras in the area to better preserve and manage the walls of the Joseon-era (1392-1910) palace.
Gyeongbok Palace is a state-designated historic site, with the affected gate and the walls all recognized as cultural heritage.
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