KBS has issued a second apology after damaging a UNESCO World Heritage site during the filming of the drama The First Night with the Duke.
"We deeply apologize for the incident involving damage to the cultural property during filming at Byeongsan Seowon in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do," the network said in an initial statement on January 3.
In a report by Dispatch, the network sent the head of its drama center and the responsible producer to Byeongsan Seowon to assess the damage.
The duo confirmed that new nails were inserted to secure props at approximately ten existing holes, further pressurizing the structure.
"The nails were placed in about ten spots, including eight beam ends at Mandaeru Pavilion and two beam ends at Dongjae Hall," KBS reported.
"These spots are not related to the photos of nail marks on Mandaeru columns reported by some media outlets. Even if there were pre-existing nail holes, driving in new nails and adding pressure constitutes damage to the cultural property. We sincerely apologize for this."
The network claimed that they'd received approval before inserting the new nails.
"Before filming, the production team received approval from the Byeongsan Seowon caretaker regarding the locations where props could be hung. The filming was conducted under the caretaker's supervision," it said.
The network, however, accepted the full repercussions of the outcome of the impending investigation.
"We will humbly accept the results of the police investigation and inspections conducted by Andong City and the National Heritage Administration. We will also actively cooperate in restoring the damaged areas," it said.
"We will educate external drama production teams about the invaluable heritage of Byeongsan Seowon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and strengthen our oversight and management. The guidelines will include consulting cultural heritage experts or conducting filming under expert supervision when shooting at cultural properties, historic sites, and heritage locations.
"We sincerely apologize for causing significant concern and disappointment to the public due to the cultural property damage during the drama's filming. We will fully cooperate with investigations conducted by the relevant authorities."
