Actually, no. I tend to go with evidence instead of whacked-out nut-job conspiracy theories. And, as someone else mentioned, it’s a Korean national treasure that dates back far before the splitting of the countries.
Well, yeah, and it’s also been rebuilt plenty of times. When they rebuild it it will be yet another reproduction but - as I understand attitudes to these things in most of Asia - no less a national treasure for it.
The gate is a symbol of Korea, not South Korea. It’s not even a relic of the monarchy. The North Korea government has no incentive to destroy it.
He caused arson damage in 2006 to a royal palace? Why is he on the streets only two years later? I don’t think he will be let out of state custody again.
I’m asking in earnest, HNC. What’s the story behind the serious damage and apparent destruction of Namdaemun during the Korean War? Who damaged it? I’m still pretty ignorant of parts of the Korean War…
I found a picture of the Namdaemun during the war that shows well the damage.
As to who damaged it, during the Korean war, Seoul changed hands a number of times and was the site of intense fighting. I just assume, from the photo, Namdaemun got caught in the cross-fire.