When a beloved tree began withering away, locals suspected a killer in their midst

Every summer, Seoul is lush and green, but one ginkgo tree in Buam-dong, a residential neighborhood near the Blue House, began to wither. The beloved tree, which locals consider to be over 100 years old, had its fan-shaped leaves falling to the ground, which was unusual for this time of year. The tree was nicknamed "Grandpa Ginkgo" by the community, and many residents grew attached to it, finding solace in its presence.

Some residents noticed suspicious plastic funnels placed near the tree's base, and they began to suspect a cover-up by the Whanki Museum, which had previously asked landowners to remove the tree. The museum claimed the tree's roots were causing damage to its outer brick wall. Residents stormed the museum with police, accusing it of injecting herbicide into the tree.

The museum has neither confirmed nor denied these allegations, but it published a statement blaming the tree's roots for the wall's collapse. Officials say police are looking into the matter, but they have not provided further details. The community is determined to uncover the truth and believes the museum is responsible for the tree's demise.