Upcoming KBS Drama Starring Taecyeon And Seohyun Apologies For Damaging A UNESCO World Heritage Site
KBS’s new drama I Stole the Male Lead’s First Night has apologized after being accused of damaging Byeongsan Seowon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, during filming.
On January 2, KBS issued an official apology, stating, “We sincerely apologize for causing concern to our viewers with this incident. During a pre-approved shoot at Byeongsan Seowon late last year, production staff received complaints from visitors about nailing props onto the cultural heritage structure.”
The statement continued, “Regardless of the reason, we recognize the seriousness of the situation and deeply regret what occurred on-site. We are currently assessing the situation and discussing the best course of action to restore any damage caused. Representatives from the drama are working with Byeongsan Seowon officials to verify the extent of the damage and agree on restoration procedures.”
KBS further promised to implement measures to prevent such incidents from recurring, stating, “We will actively address any additional issues that may arise. We once again extend our heartfelt apologies to everyone affected by this incident.”
The controversy began when architect Min Sa Hong shared a post on Facebook on December 30, detailing his visit to Byeongsan Seowon. He claimed to have witnessed production staff nailing props to the wooden pillars of Mandaeru Pavilion. Photos accompanying the post showed staff installing lights by hammering nails into the historic structure.
Min described the scene as “shocking” and recounted, “There were various props scattered throughout the seowon, and staff members were seen nailing lights onto wooden pillars. Many lights had already been hung on the pillars of Mandaeru.”
When Min protested, the staff allegedly responded dismissively, saying, “We already have permission from Andong City, and you can ask them if you’re curious. How many times do we need to explain this?”
Min contacted Andong City’s Cultural Heritage Department, where officials confirmed the filming permit but seemed unaware of the nailing. Upon hearing about the damage, the officials reportedly ordered the immediate removal of the props.
Despite this, filming continued as scheduled on December 31. Min decided to report the incident to raise awareness and prevent future occurrences. He also revealed that such incidents are not uncommon at cultural sites, with some filming crews even dismantling walls or pillars for their shoots.
Byeongsan Seowon, a privately managed cultural property of the descendants of renowned Joseon scholar Ryu Seongryong, is one of Korea’s nine major seowon and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Under the Cultural Heritage Protection Act, filming activities should not harm the preservation or management of cultural properties.
Andong City’s Cultural Heritage Department expressed regret over the incident, confirming that they had ordered filming to stop and would impose administrative measures after assessing the damage.
I Stole the Male Lead’s First Night is a romantic fantasy drama starring Seohyun as a minor background character inhabited by the spirit of a college student. The plot unfolds as she spends a night with the male protagonist, played by Ok Taecyeon, turning the narrative upside down. The drama is scheduled to air later this year.
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