"Renting Emperor's Clothes at the Eulsa Treaty Site?"... Seokyeongdeok Says "An Event That Should Not Have Happened"

Seogyeongdeok "1905 Eulsa Treaty Signed at Deoksugung"
Seoul City "Operator Arbitrarily Provides and Rents Costumes"

Eulsa Treaty Signing Venue, Jungmyeongjeon. The photo shows a citizen observing a reenactment of the Eulsa Treaty (November 17, 1905) at Jungmyeongjeon, Jeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of August 29, 2018, marking the 108th anniversary of the Japan-Korea Annexation. Photo by Yonhap News.

[Asia Economy Kim Gun-chan, Intern Reporter] Professor Seo Kyung-deok of Sungshin Women's University criticized Seoul City for operating a program that rented out Emperor of Japan and Japanese police officer costumes during the recent 'Jeongdong Night Walk' event, saying "An event that should not have happened has occurred."

On the 26th, Professor Seo pointed out on his Facebook, "No matter how much the intention is to experience the historical atmosphere, there are continuous criticisms on portals and social media that renting out Emperor of Japan and Japanese police officer costumes is extremely inappropriate."

He added, "Especially at Jungmyeongjeon Hall in Deoksugung Palace located in Jeongdong, where the Eulsa Treaty was signed in 1905, through which Japan took away the diplomatic rights of the Korean Empire, an event that should not have happened has occurred."

He further stated, "This incident should serve as a great lesson that not only Seoul City but all local governments must first understand the sentiments of the people in various events they hold, and this must never be forgotten."

Meanwhile, Seoul City explained regarding the controversy, "The contractor in charge of the event had agreed in advance with the Jeongdong Costume Rental Shop operator to rent approved costumes, but the operator placed and rented the problematic costumes on-site without the city's approval."

The city said, "There should have been supervision and corrective action for inappropriate parts within the event venue, but there were some negligent aspects," and added, "We plan to hold the event agency legally responsible for contract violations."

Seoul City held the '2022 Jeongdong Night Walk' event over two days from the 23rd to the 24th in the Jeongdong area of Jung-gu for the first time in three years. The program 'Jeongdong Costume Rental Shop,' which rents out late Joseon period and Hanbok costumes for a fee, included the Emperor of Japan and Japanese police officer costumes, causing the issue.

Earlier last month, a work installed at the bus stop in front of the reopened Gwanghwamun Square sparked controversy for including designs reminiscent of the Government-General of Korea and the Rising Sun Flag.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.