Seoul's Going to Hell in a Handbasket: Between Chinese "Military" Parades and UNESCO Face-Offs
Is This My Korea, or China's?
So, I'm scrolling through my feed, trying to find something—anything—that isn't depressing. And what do I see? A bunch of Chinese nationals doing what looks like military drills in the middle of goddamn Yeouido Han River Park. Seriously? Are we just rolling over and letting this happen?
I get that the Korea Cultural Exchange Business Unit is trying to foster "unity and solidarity" with their "International Walking Exchange" event. But let's be real, dressing up in camo gear and marching around with red flags ain't exactly promoting world peace. It's more like a slap in the face to every Korean who remembers a thing or two about, oh I don't know, history.
The official line is that these outfits are just "group uniforms" with "no military symbolism or political intent." Oh, really? Then why the hell does it look like they're prepping for a goddamn invasion?
"It feels like Korea has been occupied by China," one netizen said. And honestly, can you blame them for feeling that way? Chinese March in Military-Style Uniforms at Han River Park
Cultural Heritage? More Like Cultural Heresy
And just when you think things can't get any worse, the Supreme Court decides to greenlight the construction of skyscrapers near Jongmyo Shrine. You know, that UNESCO World Heritage site that's kind of a big deal?
Mayor Oh Se-hoon is all excited about "revitalizing Seoul and ensuring its future competitiveness." Translation: building more overpriced condos that nobody can afford.
He says the area around Jongmyo has been "left neglected" and is "little more than a ruin." Okay, maybe it needs some sprucing up. But does that really justify throwing up a bunch of glass towers that'll completely destroy the historical landscape?
The Korea Heritage Service is freaking out, and rightfully so. They're warning that these new buildings will pose a "grave threat" to Jongmyo's value, and that UNESCO might even downgrade its heritage status.
And what's the city government's response? "We'll do our best to preserve the historical value of cultural heritage while simultaneously revitalizing Seoul." Yeah, sure you will. That's like saying you're going to lose weight while simultaneously eating a whole pizza. It just ain't gonna happen.
UNESCO is already breathing down Seoul's neck over this, warning about "uncontrolled vertical development." Remember what happened to Dresden Elbe Valley? Lost its World Heritage status because of a freakin' bridge. A bridge!
Kim Jong Un's Laughing All the Way to the Bank
Oh, and just to make things even more delightful, North Korea decided to launch another ballistic missile into the East Sea. Offcourse, the Kremlin is defending them, because why not? It's not like there's anything else going on in the world.
I'm not saying these events are directly related, but it all feels like one giant clusterfuck of incompetence and disregard for Korean culture and security.
But wait, am I being too harsh? Maybe I'm just an old grump who's stuck in the past. Maybe Seoul does need to embrace the future, even if it means sacrificing a little bit of its heritage.
Nah, who am I kidding? This is a disaster waiting to happen.