Berlin Statue of Peace Removal Temporarily Suspended... "Let's Discuss a Harmonious Solution"

Citizen Group Files Injunction with Court
"Scheduled Demolition Deadline Should Not Apply"
Mitegu "Wants to Develop a Fairly Negotiated Compromise"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The 'Statue of Peace' in Berlin, Germany, which was facing demolition, has for now bought some time. The local German municipality has expressed its intention to seek a solution by postponing the demolition while awaiting the court's decision.

On the 13th, a press conference was held at the Korea Association office in Berlin, the capital of Germany, to highlight the unfairness of the authorities' demolition order of the 'Statue of Peace.'
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 13th, the Mitte District Office in Germany announced in a press release that the Korea Council, a local civic group, had filed an injunction with the court against Mitte District's demolition order for the Statue of Peace, stating that "the demolition deadline scheduled for tomorrow does not apply." Mitte District has decided to wait for the court's ruling regarding the statue.

Stefan von Dassel, the district mayor, said, "We will take the time to thoroughly consider the positions of all parties involved as well as our own," adding, "We want to devise a compromise that fairly addresses the interests of the Korea Council and the Japanese side," and "We welcome designing the monument in a way that allows everyone involved to coexist."

Before the press release was made public, Mayor von Dassel appeared at a rally opposing the statue's demolition held in front of the Mitte District Office, stating that the injunction has bought time and saying, "Let's discuss a harmonious solution." He added, "I have learned about the history related to the statue over the past few days," and "The participation of citizens is impressive."

Regarding the background of the initial plan to demolish the statue, Mayor von Dassel explained that it was not due to pressure from the Japanese government but because of receiving letters opposing the statue from Japanese citizens.

On the 13th, a press conference was held at the Korea Association office in Berlin, the capital of Germany, to highlight the unfairness of the authorities' demolition order of the 'Statue of Peace.' [Image source=Yonhap News]

Mitte District had approved the installation of the Statue of Peace commemorating victims of Japanese military sexual slavery in July of this year. After the unveiling ceremony at the end of last month, Japan protested, and on the 7th of this month, the district sent an official letter to the local civic group that organized the statue's installation, demanding its removal.

The strong opposition from local civic groups appears to have significantly influenced Mitte District's retreat from its initial demolition stance. Additionally, critical voices emerged from progressive parties such as the Green Party, to which Mayor von Dassel belongs.

Locally, there is speculation that a compromise might be reached by modifying the inscription on the statue's plaque, allowing the statue to remain. Previously, Japan criticized the inscription on the Berlin statue as targeting Japan from the Korean side's perspective. Accordingly, if the inscription is revised, the focus is expected to shift to the international issue of wartime sexual violence victims.

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