A red flag has been raised over JYP Entertainment’s new headquarters project in Godeok-dong, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, which was previously promoted as an “open cultural and relaxation space.”
Just before construction was set to begin, SH Corporation and Gangdong-gu Office changed the zoning of a park site located just 20 meters from the planned headquarters site, meaning the area could end up surrounded by buildings. JYP Enteratinment is reportedly considering withdrawing its new headquarters plan.
According to the development industry on April 23, SH is currently selling a 13,261㎡ park site in the Godeok-Gangil district of Gangdong-gu after changing its use to a self-sufficient support facility site. Applications will be accepted until May 18. The sale price is ₩104 billion KRW (about $70.3 million USD). With the zoning change, an 18- to 19-story building can now be built on the site, with a floor area ratio of 400%.
The land is only 20 meters south of JYP’s planned new headquarters site. JYP Entertainment’s new headquarters, which was scheduled to begin construction in the second half of the year, was designed as a ring-shaped building surrounding a courtyard so that it could take in the surrounding scenery. The building was planned to include an 800-seat performance hall and open cultural and relaxation spaces.
If a building is constructed directly in front of the new headquarters, the concept of an “open space” would become impossible. The current design was created with the nature of an entertainment company in mind, balancing harmony with the surrounding scenery while protecting the privacy of users such as celebrities. The south side was designed to remain open, reflecting the layout of existing buildings.
JYP is reportedly considering withdrawing from the project. Officials have stated that the zoning change was already notified at the time of sale.
“Given the nature of an entertainment company, securing privacy for users such as celebrities is likely very important. JYP had completed its building permit based on the assumption that the southern site would remain a park, but it is now reviewing whether to withdraw its headquarters plan altogether, so the other developers are also deeply concerned. The zoning change was carried out under relevant laws to sell 1% of green space in order to secure funds for school facility installation. We had already notified in the sales announcement that the district plan may change depending on the progress of the project.”
Plans for the building were previously revealed, leaving many in anticipation for the new oasis. You can read more about it below.
Architect Reveals Sneak Peek Of JYP Entertainment’s Possible New Building Design