The state-run cultural heritage agency on Friday admitted that first lady Kim Keon Hee's private tea meeting held at a traditional heritage shrine in central Seoul constituted personal use of a state heritage site.
First Lady Kim Keon Hee / Korea Times file
During a session of the National Assembly's culture committee, Lee Jae-pil, a senior official at the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA), said there was an element of "personal use" involving Kim's use of a pavilion at Jongmyo Shrine on Sept. 3.
The revelation of Kim's use of the pavilion for the tea meeting with acquaintances has drawn criticism over alleged violation of rules in connection with the usage of heritage sites.
CHA chief Choi Eung-chon also acknowledged procedural lapses regarding the first lady's use of Jongmyo Shrine.
"At the time, we considered it a national government event and acted according to customary practices. Upon later review, I acknowledge that our judgment was lacking," Choi said. (Yonhap)
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