KBS has issued a public apology after confirming that the production team for its new drama 'The First Night With the Duke', starring Seohyun and Taecyeon caused damage to Byeongsanseowon Confucian Academy, a UNESCO World Heritage site, during filming.

The network has issued an official apology for the incident, acknowledging the concerns raised by the public and promising swift action to address the situation.

On January 2, KBS released an official statement, saying, "First and foremost, we sincerely apologize for the concern this incident has caused our viewers. The production team obtained prior filming permission at Byeongsan Seowon Confucian Academy in Andong last year, but during the installation of props, a site visitor raised concerns about the inappropriate use of nails on the cultural heritage."

The statement continued, "Regardless of the reasons, KBS acknowledges the gravity of the situation and deeply regrets what occurred on-site. We are currently working to understand the exact details of the incident and determine the best course of action for restoration."

Full Statement from KBS:

"We sincerely apologize for the concern this incident has caused our viewers.

The production team obtained prior permission to film at Byeongsanseowon Confucian Academy in Andong last year. However, during the installation of props, a site visitor raised concerns about the inappropriate use of nails on the cultural heritage.

KBS acknowledges the gravity of the situation and deeply regrets what occurred on-site. We are currently investigating the incident and discussing the best methods for restoration. 

The drama team is collaborating with Byeongsanseowon Confucian Academy representatives to inspect the damage and proceed with restoration efforts. Furthermore, we will actively work on measures to prevent similar incidents and address any further potential impacts.

We deeply apologize to everyone once again for this unfortunate incident related to the drama filming."

The damage to Byeongsanseowon Confucian Academy has raised serious concerns about the need for more stringent regulations when filming at cultural and historical sites. 

KBS’s apology and their commitment to restoration and prevention measures aim to reassure the public, but the incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required to protect our cultural heritage while pursuing creative projects.

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