After Vogue Korea released a collection of fashion photoshoots at Cheong Wa Dae, widespread criticism rose among the public. Tak Hyun-min, protocol presidential secretary, and Park Min-Shik, the minister of patriots and veterans affairs, shared contradicting opinions regarding this issue. 

The fashion magazine was created in collaboration with the CHA’s Visit Korean Heritage Campaign. CHA intended to promote the opening of Cheong Wa Dae and hanbok, the Korean traditional dress. Shortly after its release on August 22nd, the photoshoots became an issue in all social media platforms. The spread of this issue further instigated debates among Korean politicians, Tak Hyun-min and Park Min-Shik.

Tak responded to this issue by claiming that the collection “undermines political authority.” On Facebook, he wrote, “It is sad how much political authority without any historical awareness or humanistic refinement undermines national dignity and yet we continue to see that happening.” Tak mentioned how Japan transformed Changgyeong Palace into Changgyeongwon, a zoo planted with Japanese sakura trees, with cherry blossoms in the opening ceremony during the colonial occupation of Korea. Tak believes that it has “undermined” the authority of the Korean Empire, and shows veneration towards the Japanese imperial regime. Noticing how similar cases are occurring even in modern society, Tak claims that “Yoon Suk-yeol administration seems like, it will, throughout its entire term, do similarly heavy-handed things” 

Minister Park denounced Secretary Pak’s remarks as ignoring the people. “Any attempts to disparage what people enjoy at Cheong Wa Dae as if it were still the property of only the president will never succeed,” he said.

Park also claimed that “The history of Cheong Wa Dae ― whether proud or shameful ― will be better preserved and widely remembered as a space for the people.”  

Controversy regarding this issue continues to arise after odd expressions were made that Cheong Wa Dae “would be returned to the people under the guise of full openness”. In order to prevent criticism over the use of cultural assets, Minister Park recommends that “the government must have some sort of plan or review it thoroughly, but instead, the administration pushes ahead with unreasonable projects simply to open it up or lure people inside.”