Chonnam National University Completes 4m Tall Statue Prototype of 'Yu Gwansun Yeolsa'

Professor Team Kim Daegil and Park Jeongyong... Installation at Former Seodaemun Prison Site in May

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Chonnam National University has completed the creation of the original model for the large-scale Yu Gwan-sun statue, which was at risk of being canceled, and will be able to erect it as scheduled in May at Seodaemun History Park in Seoul.

According to Chonnam National University on the 20th, the production team led by Professors Kim Daegil and Park Jeongyong from the Department of Fine Arts began creating a clay original model for the large-scale Yu Gwan-sun martyr statue, measuring 4 meters in height and 1.8 meters in width, at the end of last year and recently completed the work.

Once the bronze mold is made and copper is melted and poured in the casting process, the statue will be completed.

The statue impressively depicts a sturdy figure wearing a skirt and jeogori, holding the Taegeukgi in her right hand, and running barefoot.

The production involved Chonnam National University lecturers Park Hyeongo and Yoon Jongho, as well as graduate and undergraduate students. The historical verification was handled by costume experts Professor Yang Sukhyang from Suncheon National University and Professor Emeritus Lee Taeho from Myongji University.

The Yu Gwan-sun statue was planned by the Yu Gwan-sun Martyrs Memorial Association to be erected in 2020, marking the 100th anniversary of Yu Gwan-sun’s martyrdom.

However, the plan almost fell apart when Professor Emeritus Kim Haengshin of Chonnam National University, who was in charge of production, suddenly passed away in October last year. The project was taken over by the Chonnam National University team after his daughter, sculptor Kim Sine, who is currently a lecturer at Chonnam National University, consulted with Professor Kim Daegil.

Professor Kim Daegil stated, “The Yu Gwan-sun statue was based on the concept of ‘the Joan of Arc of the East’ and aimed to dynamically express the firm will for ‘Korean independence.’ In particular, among the various images of Yu Gwan-sun, we focused more on portraying strength rather than pity.”

He added, “Sculpture work requires consideration of many factors such as proportions and the position of light, taking into account the outdoor placement. Although there are other Yu Gwan-sun statues in places like Jangchung-dong in Seoul, we thought that Seodaemun Prison was a ‘place where it must be erected’ and tried to create a work that will be engraved in future generations.”

He continued, “Sculptors from Chonnam National University are well known for their strong realism and sharp craftsmanship. We are proud that Chonnam National University can place a work in this historic space.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.