Gamgam Remodeling: A Simple Blueprint for Home Renovation

[포커스]
The Ministry of Veterans Affairs only takes a ‘future review’ stance.
It is unclear whether the opinions of the Korean community are reflected.

While remodeling work on the former headquarters building (Danso) of the LA Heungsadan, a space symbolizing the history of the Korean independence movement in America, began on the 11th (today), it is being pointed out that a proper plan for operation after completion has not yet been prepared. There are concerns that it is unclear how the opinions of the Korean community will be reflected in the remodeling process and future operations.

According to data submitted by Rep. Kim Tae-ho (People Power Party), a member of the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, from the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs only responded, “To be reviewed later” regarding the operation plan after remodeling the unit. This shows that the direction of exhibition content composition and the establishment of educational and commemorative functions, which are key in the restoration of the independence movement heritage space, were not sufficiently discussed in the pre-construction stage.

The Ministry of Veterans Affairs announced that it would cooperate with the Consulate General in Los Angeles for remodeling work and operation after completion, but only presented its general position, saying, “We will work together to establish a good operation plan.” As Danso is located in LA, practical coordination with the Consulate General is essential, but specific collaboration procedures have not been confirmed.

Kwon Min, consul in charge of veterans affairs at the LA Consulate General, said on the 10th, “It’s not that the Ministry of Veterans Affairs is not talking about anything, but I don’t know how much it is shared with the Consulate General.” He added, “The Ministry of Veterans Affairs is directly managing most of the construction-related issues.”

Previously, in January of last year, it was revealed that the Consulate General had not received the remodeling plan, and the lack of communication between the two organizations was pointed out as a problem. 〈Page A-1, January 30th issue of this magazine〉

The Ministry of Veterans Affairs responds to these criticisms on the basis that Danso remodeling is a ‘direct overseas project of the Ministry.’

According to data from Rep. Kim’s office, the Ministry of Veterans Affairs selected participating companies, including design (Page & Turnbull), construction management (Landmark PM), and construction (Howard), through direct bidding. We also signed a contract with Heritage Smart Consulting Group, a project management company, to oversee small-scale management and remodeling.

The Ministry of Veterans Affairs signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Korean-American Heritage Foundation in January last year to cooperate in the management of the LA Heungsadan, but notified its intention to terminate the agreement in December of the same year for reasons of securing business expertise.

The Department of Veterans Affairs explained, “As Danso is registered as a historic site in the city of Los Angeles in 2023, it must meet the U.S. Department of the Interior’s historic preservation standards and the city of Los Angeles’ cultural heritage ordinance,” and emphasized that the contracted companies are “companies with experience and expertise in the field of historic preservation.” However, no specific evidence was provided regarding the project control and inspection method, whether Korean history experts were involved, and the contract process with the project management company.

It is also unclear whether the opinions of the Korean community are reflected. In materials submitted last September, the Ministry of Veterans Affairs announced that it had listened to the opinions of Korean groups, including displaying independence movement relics, applying the latest exhibition techniques, creating a space for second-generation Korean activities, and linking with the Korean National Center. However, this submission only mentions the fact that a meeting was held with the Korean National Association Memorial Foundation and the LA branch of Heungsa Dan, and omits any information about what opinions were presented and how they will be reflected.

An official from a Korean organization said, “Although the Ministry of Veterans Affairs explained its intention to develop Heungsadan together with the Korean community, it has not yet been decided how the opinion will actually be implemented.”

Representative Kim Tae-ho said, “LA Heungsadan Danso is a historical place filled with the joys and sorrows of early Korean immigrants who shed blood and sweat to support Korea’s independence movement,” and emphasized, “We will pay active attention to Danso to properly illuminate the value of the history of Korean immigration to the United States and the history of the independence movement and establish it as a meaningful space that promotes the identity of Koreans.”

Reporter Kim Gyeong-jun