The conflict between the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Prime Minister's Office has reached a peak over Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon's plan to create a 'Garden of Gratitude' in front of Gwanghwamun Square to express thanks to the Korean War belligerent nations. After Prime Minister Kim Minsuk publicly put the brakes on the project, the controversy over the core sculpture, which is known to be shaped like the 'present arms' (받들어 총) posture of an honor guard, is spiraling, raising questions about the identity of the national symbol space.

PM Kim Visits Site, Expresses "Doubt on Public Understanding," Orders Review by MOPAS

On the 17th, PM Kim directly visited the Gwanghwamun 'Garden of Gratitude' site, which is soon scheduled to begin construction, and publicly raised concerns, stating, "I doubt whether the public will understand the installation of a 'present arms' sculpture and stone pillars in a space dedicated to King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin." He emphasized, "It is better to consider the long-term national interest and proceed reasonably by sufficiently reflecting the will of the people," and instructed the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOPAS) to review the legal and procedural validity of the project. This marks the third public check on Mayor Oh's key projects by PM Kim, following criticisms of the redevelopment plan near Jongmyo Shrine and issues related to the safety of the Han River bus operation.

The 'Garden of Gratitude,' which is set to cost 73 billion won, is structured around 23 black granite pillars (22 for the belligerent nations + 1 for Korea), each $6.25 text{m}$ high, symbolizing the 22 nations that participated in the Korean War, lined up facing the square. The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to convey a message of gratitude and respect for the belligerent nations that safeguarded freedom through this project.

Controversy Over 'Militaristic Symbol' and Civil Group Criticism: "Degradation of the Square's Identity"

However, the core concept of the project—the 'present arms' shape—is facing fundamental criticism for undermining the historical identity of Gwanghwamun Square. Civil organizations and some observers point out that installing a sculpture with strong militaristic imagery in Gwanghwamun Square, a symbol of democracy and civic sovereignty, degrades the space's value. They also note that it is unprecedented for a foreign military symbol to enter a national symbol space.

One civil group criticized the 'Garden of Gratitude' plan as "a fundamentally flawed idea that lacks deep reflection on the historical identity of Gwanghwamun Square and its role as a citizen's space." They argue that Gwanghwamun Square is a sacred space where the citizens of the Republic of Korea changed the course of history by advocating for freedom and democracy, and a place where national pride and an independent historical perspective, symbolized by the statues of King Sejong the Great and Admiral Yi Sun-sin, live and breathe. Installing a sculpture modeled after a foreign military honor guard's parade posture in the heart of this space is an act that "militarizes and externally-dependent-izes" the square's identity.

Furthermore, facilities dedicated to expressing gratitude to the Korean War belligerent nations already exist in the War Memorial of Korea in Yongsan, raising doubts about the necessity of this redundant installation.

73 Billion Won Budget Waste Controversy and Procedural Difficulties

In addition to the symbolism debate, the massive budget of 73 billion won and the lack of transparency in the project's process have also come under fire. Civil groups criticize the Seoul Metropolitan Government for failing to conduct sufficient public discussion and citizen participation when deciding on the garden's creation. They strongly condemn the plan to inject taxpayer money into a sculpture lacking urgency and public consensus, especially amidst difficult livelihood conditions, as a clear waste of the public purse. They argue that this budget should rightfully be used to improve the practical lives of citizens, such as stabilizing housing for ordinary people or creating youth jobs. Moreover, the fact that most nations expressed difficulty when the Seoul city government requested the donation of stone material for the project reveals the procedural complications involved.

Seoul City vs. Prime Minister's Office: Political Confrontation Escalates

The Seoul Metropolitan Government rebutted, stating that the project is being pursued while "collecting public opinions." It expressed regret over PM Kim's actions, accusing him of "singling out Mayor Oh's key projects" and making his political motives overt. The city went further, setting itself up for a direct confrontation by facing criticism that PM Kim is engaging in 'pre-election campaigning' ahead of next year's local elections.

However, Mayor Oh, whose position is already precarious due to the Han River bus suspension incident and the high-rise development controversy near Jongmyo Shrine, is expected to see his standing further weakened by the 'Garden of Gratitude' debate. As PM Kim has ordered an administrative and procedural review regarding the identity of the national symbol space and the expenditure of hundreds of billions of won, the driving force behind the Seoul Metropolitan Government's key project is expected to suffer a significant blow. Despite the project's stated purpose of national gratitude and respect, the suitability of the location and the symbolism of the sculpture have escalated beyond a political dispute into a serious conflict between administrative authorities, raising fundamental questions about 'the future of Gwanghwamun Square.' As civil society urges, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has the responsibility to comprehensively review the 'Garden of Gratitude' plan immediately and preserve Gwanghwamun Square as a space that 'upholds' the values of Korea's sovereignty, civic power, and democracy.