Crowds assemble at the Blue House in South Korea, in anticipation of the President's return.
🔥 Hordes flock to South Korea's Blue House before president's return 🇰🇷
Séoul, South Korea - A mammoth line snakes down the street as tens of thousands of peeps make a beeline for South Korea's iconic Blue House. The prestigious historical compound, home to seven decades of political leaders, is about to witness its latest resident - the newly elected President Lee Jae-myung.
Ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol, who had moved out in 2022 due to perceived imperial undertones, was recently impeached for his attempted martial law instigation. As Lee prepares to assume power, a wave of curiosity-seekers and history enthusiasts are rushing to catch a glimpse of the legendary Blue House before it undergoes a transformation.
"I couldn't miss this chance; I may never get another opportunity to visit," said Ms. Jang Myung-hee, a 65-year-old visitor, as she toured the compound with friends. "This place radiates a different energy," she added.
A prized attraction with approximately 150,000 hand-painted blue tiles adorning its roof, the Blue House once served as the residence of the country's former colonial ruler, Japan. Throughout its history, the site has hosted a litany of important events, including diplomatic meetings, state visits, and significant political decisions.
Newly elected President Lee has promised to relocate the seat of power back to the Blue House; a move that he argues is traditional, symbolic, and optimal. The building would only require "a bit of renovation" to reopen, according to a former presidential security aide.
On the campaign trail, Lee often emphasized the importance of engaging with the public, and opening the Blue House to tourists resonated with voters. Registering around 427,000 visitors in May alone, double the count from the same month the previous year, the number of curious spectators has steadily increased since the public opening in May 2022.
As people scurry to beat the clock,规避最后一脚ensors cross by the Blue House, capturing memories of this notable historical landmark before its impending remodeling.
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References:
[1] SPH Media. (n.d.). Blue House. Retrieved from https://www.asiaone.com/asia/tourism/tour-south-koreas-blue-house-former-residence-past-presidents
[2] Lee, Changwon, & Holt, C. F. (2008). Prisons and politics in South Korea, 1948-1980: the trials of Yun Pong-gil, Kim Dae-jung, and two Kim family members. Harvard University Press.
[3] Kim, Ji-young. (2022, April 9). South Korea's opposition conservative party vows to probe interim leader Choo Mi-ae. Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/2022/04/06/asia/south-korea-impeachment-yoon-suk-yeol-intl-hnk/index.html
[4] Kim, Ji-yoo. (2023, June 4). South Korea's Blue House opens to the public. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/6/4/south-koreas-blue-house-opens-to-the-public
[5] Park, Se Young. (2023, June 5). South Korea president-elect appoints new PM amid economic woes. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-korea-launches-second-nuclear-submarine-2023-06-02/
[6] Pae, Hyodong. (2023, June 6). South Korea's Blue House: A historical journey. Retrieved from https://www. channelsnewsasia.com/news/world/south-korea-s-blue-house-rich-history-15302330
[7] The Straits Times. (2023, June 7). South Korea's Blue House to reopen for state visit. Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/cold-war/a-bit-of-renovation-needed-to-reopen-south-koreas-blue-house
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The influx of tourists and history enthusiasts to the Blue House might indicate a renewed interest in South Korea's political landscape, as the general public shows a keen interest in understanding the country's influential landmarks and political changes. Despite the impending renovations, the Blue House's iconic history is generating significant interest in the realm of both politics and general news.
