Controversy Over Han Sungjun Memorial Monument: Hongseong County Says "Not Pre-Discussed"

"No Military Support Provided as Lee Aeju Cultural Foundation Land is Private Property"

Lee Aeju Cultural Foundation erected a monument in Hongseong County to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mr. Han Seongjun. Photo by Hongseong County

As criticism continues over the inclusion of a painting by an artist currently on trial for sexual harassment on a monument erected in Hongseong County, Chungnam, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Han Seongjun, a master of traditional Korean dance, Hongseong County has stated that "this was not coordinated in advance with the county."

On the 25th, Hongseong County released a statement saying, "The Lee Aeju Cultural Foundation erected the monument on private land owned by them, not on county-owned land," and added, "The county did not provide any administrative or financial support related to this matter, and no Hongseong County officials attended the unveiling ceremony."

The county further stated, "We plan to urge the Lee Aeju Cultural Foundation to take measures to prevent any damage to the reputation of Han Seongjun," and emphasized, "We will ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future."

Previously, around 40 current and former heads of national and public arts organizations, presidents of dance associations, university professors, and members of the Intangible Heritage Committee from the dance community issued a statement the previous day, saying, "On the 15th, Hongseong County and the Lee Aeju Cultural Foundation held an unveiling ceremony for a monument in honor of Han Seongjun at his gravesite," and pointed out, "The monument features a painting by artist A, who is currently at the center of social controversy due to sexual misconduct, causing deep distress to dancers and those who cherish pure traditional arts."

They demanded, "Hongseong County and the Lee Aeju Cultural Foundation must immediately remove the monument created with the participation of a sexual offender and issue a public apology."

Artist A was found guilty in both the first and second trials for forcibly molesting an employee at his art research institute in August 2013.

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