



By Jon Dunbar



Ukrainian rooftopper Vitaliy Raskalov and his Russian "partner-in-crime" Vadim Makhorov have uploaded a YouTube video made from footage of their daring ascent of Lotte World Tower last month.



The two made a sensation earlier this month after releasing one image taken from a crane atop the 555-meter tower, still under construction, on April 3.



Raskalov told The Korea Times the overnight climb was started at night on Feb. 29, ending in the morning of March 1.



"We chose this date because it was a holiday in Korea," he said.



In a statement posted on YouTube, they describe facing heavy security precautions including "tens of perimeters, fighting drones, clusters of chambers on columns and vigilant employees with guard dogs there."



According to Lotte Corporation, about 400 security officers are on duty at any one time. They were aware the two were in Korea, and flyers with their faces were posted around the area.



"At first we thought that we had no chance to wrap that system around our fingers," they write on YouTube. "But in any one, even in ideal, there are gaps. To avoid security, they mainly climbed the stairs, avoiding any elevators. When doors were locked, they climbed the exterior of the building, before reaching their goal atop a construction crane."



Although the building was topped off at 123 stories, the cranes remain in place because of roofing work, according to the YouTube statement.



Raskalov climbed to the top of the crane while Makhorov waited below; they began their descent at 6:55 a.m.



The video shows they did more sightseeing, visiting the DMZ and various markets and accessing a few less challenging roofs around the city. They posted an Instagram picture from the top level of Jongno Tower but took pictures only from public spaces.



"After visiting this place we have absolutely positive impressions," said the YouTube statement.



But Raskalov said their focus was always on Lotte World Tower.



When asked about the reported negative response in the Korean media, with complaints about safety and legality and various other concerns, the 20-year-old said, "I didn't do any research about the reaction in Korea — actually, we don't care."



They disclosed their feat only after leaving Korea, passing through customs with minor trouble on departure, said Raskalov, who didn't elaborate.



Their trip had been sponsored by anywayanyday.com, a Russian-based air ticket selling service.



Corporate sponsors fund much of their adventures. Their work can be viewed at ontheroofs.com.



