Busan’s scrapping of Pompidou, La Scala plans draws mixed response

Busan’s decision to scrap plans for a branch of France’s Centre Pompidou and an invitation performance by Italy’s La Scala theater has drawn a mixed response, with civic groups calling for protection of the natural environment welcoming the move while local politicians lamented the loss of opportunities for international collaboration.

The decision, announced by Busan Mayor Chun Jae-soo on Wednesday, followed years of debate over the projects’ costs, environmental impact and potential contributions to the local arts community.

On Thursday, a civic alliance opposing the Pompidou branch in Igidae Park held a press conference in front of Busan City Hall to welcome the decision.

“We regard this as a decision that reflects people’s voices and concerns about protecting Igidae,” the alliance said. “We call for a consistent change in policy so that this decision leads to the preservation of Igidae’s forests.”

The alliance, which includes local artists, the Busan People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy and other civic groups, had criticized the project over concerns that construction would damage the natural forest areas.

It also questioned the plan to spend 110 billion won ($82 million) in city funds on construction, with additional annual operating costs estimated at 12.5 billion won, arguing that the money could instead support local artists and cultural institutions.

The city’s initial plan to spend about 10 billion won to invite La Scala to perform at the opening of the Busan Opera House also drew concerns. The venue’s opening has been also postponed to 2028, with construction scheduled for completion at the end of this year, according to the Wednesday’s announcement.

Both projects were pursued under former Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon as part of efforts to raise the city’s profile as an international cultural and tourism destination.

After taking office following the June 3 local elections, Chun ordered a review of the projects, questioning whether the partnerships would deliver sufficient public benefits.

“(For the Pompidou branch,) the cost of building a permanent facility in Igidae, a national geopark with 80 million years of geological history, outweighs the benefits,” Chun said Wednesday. On the La Scala invitation, he said the existing plan did not offer sufficiently concrete ways to involve and train local artists or nurture future talent.

Park and the People Power Party, however, strongly criticized the decision, arguing that it appeared aimed at distancing the current administration from its predecessor rather than serving Busan’s long-term interests.

“The Pompidou branch and the partnership with La Scala were essential elements in helping Busan develop into a global cultural and tourism city,” Park said in a statement following the announcement.

Some local artists, like Ahn Ji-hwan, head of the Grand Opera Company, expressed disappointment, arguing that partnerships with internationally renowned institutions could have helped strengthen the city’s artistic capabilities.

Other local artists had questioned whether the invitation would guarantee meaningful participation by Busan-based performers. Funding was also uncertain, as the city had planned to cover 40-50 percent of the performance costs through corporate donations and sponsorships.

Chun has proposed alternatives, including strengthening the exhibition, research and collection capabilities of the Busan Museum of Art and the Museum of Contemporary Art Busan, while expanding exchanges with leading overseas museums.

The city also plans to establish a cultural and exhibition complex at its North Port with full funding from the central government. Chun left open the possibility of inviting La Scala and other international opera companies once the Busan Opera House has established stable operations.