Suddenly Appearing at Ttukseom Riverside Park: "Let's Not Become Trash"... "Understand the Intent but Feel Unpleasant" Complaint

Controversy Over Large Sculpture at Ttukseom Uiwon Station on Subway Line 7

A large sculpture bearing the phrase "Let's not become trash" was unexpectedly installed beneath Ttukseom Yuwon Station on Seoul Subway Line 7. This location is a place where many citizens frequently pass by, and illegal dumping of trash often occurs there. However, some citizens who saw the sculpture expressed discomfort.

Photo of the 'Let's Not Become Trash' sculpture posted on a local online community on the 27th. [Photo source=Captured from online community]

The sculpture features the phrase written in large yellow letters, but since it was installed along a path frequently used by citizens without any indication that it is an art piece, it is causing misunderstandings as if the phrase is directed at the citizens themselves.

In fact, after the installation of the artwork, numerous complaints such as "It is unpleasant" and "It creates a sense of discord" were reportedly received by the Seoul city authorities.

According to Seoul city on the 29th, the artwork is one of about 100 sculptures exhibited from September 1 to October 15 in the Ttukseom Hangang Park area in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. It is part of an exhibition event hosted by a private organization, with Seoul city only providing the venue.

As the phrase suggests, the artwork appears to have been installed with the intention of discouraging illegal dumping of trash.

According to Seoul city, this artwork was also installed on the outer wall of the Dadae Waste Incineration Plant in Busan during the 2019 Sea Art Festival as part of an environmental campaign. The piece was created by artist Lee Kwang-gi to convey reflection and contemplation on environmental issues.

At that time, there was a similar controversy, and artist Lee Kwang-gi explained, "Just as trash can become a resource through recycling if it is not discarded, I created this with the hope that people might be a little more careful in their social relationships," adding, "It is like a monologue speaking to myself."

However, in a local online community, a netizen posted on the 27th, "I was surprised to see this newly and prominently displayed phrase today," and expressed doubt, saying, "I wondered whether it is appropriate to interpret this phrase as having a good intention and whether it was written with consideration for the majority in a public place."

In the comments, some agreed with the purpose of the artwork, saying, "Isn't it because a lot of trash is being dumped?" but also criticized the phrase for being too direct and unpleasant.

Following the ongoing complaints, Seoul city is reportedly considering early removal of the sculpture in consultation with the organizing group.

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