"Too Explicit" Flood of Complaints... Bomun Complex Nude Sculpture Finally Removed

Family Tourists Show Aversion to Sculpture
Gyeongbuk Tourism Organization Decides to Remove Amid Rising Obscenity Controversy

Two nude sculptures installed in the Bomun Tourist Complex in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk, have been removed. This was due to ongoing complaints, mainly from family tourists, stating that the sculptures were "uncomfortable to look at." On the 16th, the Gyeongbuk Culture and Tourism Corporation dismantled the two sculptures that had been installed on the lakeside walking trail in the Bomun Tourist Complex on the 23rd of last month. Previously, in April 2021, the corporation had borrowed 10 artworks free of charge from Jeju Sculpture Park and installed them along the walking trails within the Gyeongju Bomun Complex. Among these, two nude sculptures realistically depicted male genitalia and female breasts, which led to continued complaints.

[Photo by Jeong Kyung-min, Gyeongbuk Provincial Assembly Member]

A corporation official explained, "While some view the nude sculptures as artistic, others find them too explicit and feel discomfort, so they were removed." Since 2021, the corporation had been exhibiting about 10 sculptures, including these, on loan for five years from Jeju Sculpture Park free of charge. The controversial works are 'Pose' by artist Lee Kyung-woo and 'Harmony' by artist Kim Hye-jung. 'Pose' realistically expresses the beauty of a woman, while 'Harmony' conveys the meaning of human existence through dance.

However, the two sculptures depicting male genitalia and female breasts caused discomfort among some family tourists. Several complaints about the sculptures have been posted on the Gyeongju City Hall bulletin board. One complainant said, "Bomun Complex is a place where many children visit, so the nude sculptures seemed out of place," and added, "While enjoying the scenery of Bomun Complex, I felt upset by the unfamiliar and strange sculptures."

Another complainant in May 2022 said, "I had an absurd experience while walking the Bomun Lake trail," and continued, "While happily walking the trail, I suddenly heard laughter and saw several men standing around a female nude sculpture, touching her breasts and taking photos." He expressed, "It was embarrassing for families to see, and I couldn't understand why a female nude sculpture was installed so inappropriately," and requested its removal.

Such concerns were also raised during an administrative audit. Assemblyman Jeong Kyung-min, a member of the Provincial Council’s Culture and Environment Committee, demanded corrective action during last year's administrative audit of the Gyeongbuk Culture and Tourism Corporation, stating, "Despite continuous complaints about the embarrassing sculptures installed on the walking trail visited by many tourists year-round, no measures have been taken." He added, "Bomun Complex is the first tourist complex in South Korea as well as in Gyeongbuk, and future projects should be carried out befitting its status."

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