Statue of Peace returns to public view after 6 years

The 'Statue of Peace' in front of the Japanese Embassy in Seoul has returned to public view after six years. Previously, it was largely obscured, enclosed within a protective barrier installed to prevent clashes during protests.

Artist couple Kim Seo-kyung and Kim Woo-sung, who created the statue, described it as more than just a sculpture – it is a "symbol that bears witness to memory." Kim Seo-kyung shared her feelings about the situation, calling it "uncomfortable" to have been enclosed by the barricade. Amid years of protests by groups opposing the comfort women advocacy, concerns over potential damage to the statue led to it being surrounded by barricades from June 2020, effectively isolating it from the public.

The situation has recently stabilized following the arrest of the representative of an anti-comfort women group. On April 1, the barricades surrounding the Statue of Peace were temporarily removed during the weekly rally. Police plan to allow public access to the statue only on days when the weekly rally is held throughout April.

The artist couple, Kim Seo-kyung and Kim Woo-sung, expressed their hope: "We hope for a day when true apologies are made and this statue is no longer needed."