"Memories of the Japanese Colonial Era"... Controversy Over 'Joseon Governor-General's Office' Painting in Gwanghwamun Square

The 'Round Sun' Resembling the Rising Sun Flag in the Joseon Governor-General's Office Painting
Rapidly Spreading Through Social Media
"We Wanted to Show the Process of Overcoming and Change Beyond the Painful History"

A painting reminiscent of the Joseon Governor-General's Office and the Rising Sun Flag has been installed at the Gwanghwamun Square bus stop, sparking controversy. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Juri] As Gwanghwamun Square recently completed its renovation, a painting reminiscent of the Joseon Governor-General's Office and the Japanese Rising Sun flag has been installed at the square's bus stop, sparking controversy among citizens passing through.

According to Seoul City on the 30th, a painting depicting the transformation of the square from the Joseon Dynasty through the Japanese colonial period to the present has been hung on the pillar wall of the Sejong Center bus stop.

The controversial painting shows the square during the Japanese colonial period. The painting, which realistically depicts the Joseon Governor-General's Office, includes an image resembling the Japanese Rising Sun flag and a bird flying upward, giving an impression as if the colonial era is being portrayed as a peaceful and prosperous time.

The painting quickly spread through social networking services (SNS). Netizens strongly criticized Seoul City for displaying such a painting, commenting, "It looks like a painting wishing for the day Japan rules again," "Is this painting really open to interpretation?" and "A memory of the Japanese colonial era."

Meanwhile, Seoul City explained, "We intended to show the process of overcoming and change beyond painful history," adding, "The pink circle does not symbolize Japan (the sun), but is a design element representing roads and gates in the form of squares and circles along with the two adjacent rectangles." They further stated, "After consultation with the artist, the exhibition will be terminated as of today."

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