Berlin Statue of Girl in Germany Removal Temporarily Suspended... "Let's Discuss a Harmonious Solution" (Comprehensive)

Citizen Group Files Injunction with Court... "Scheduled Demolition Deadline Does Not Apply"
Mitegu "Wants to Find a Compromise"... Japan "Will Monitor Future Developments"

Statue of Peace in Berlin, Germany Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporters Naju-seok and Jeong Hyeon-jin] The 'Statue of Peace' in Berlin, Germany, which was facing demolition, has for now bought some time. The local government in Germany has expressed its intention to postpone the demolition while awaiting the court's decision and seek a solution.

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 the Mitte District's demolition order of 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, saying that the injunction has bought time and suggesting, "Let's discuss a harmonious solution." He said, "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, von Dassel explained that it was not due to pressure from the Japanese government but because of letters opposing the statue from Japanese citizens.

Mitte District had approved the installation of the statue commemorating the victims of Japanese military sexual slavery in July 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, criticism also came from progressive parties such as the Green Party, to which Mayor von Dassel belongs.

Locally, there is speculation that a compromise could 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. If the inscription is revised, it is expected that the focus will shift to the international issue of wartime sexual violence against women.

Meanwhile, at a regular briefing on the 14th, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato Katsunobu stated regarding the Statue of Peace, "This is a judicial process in Germany, and we intend to observe future developments," adding, "The (Japanese) government is explaining its thoughts and efforts on the comfort women issue in various ways and striving to receive a fair evaluation from the international community." The Japanese Embassy in Berlin, while demanding the statue's removal, has stated that it will closely monitor the situation.

The Nihon Keizai Shimbun evaluated, "(Germany) wants to find a compromise that both Korea and Japan can accept in the future." The Asahi Shimbun and Yomiuri Shimbun also reported the news of the postponement of the demolition of the Berlin Statue of Peace in succession.

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