"1.24 Billion Won Bronze Obscene Material"…Controversy Over Martin Luther King Memorial Sculpture

"Suggestive of Obscene Acts When Viewed from Certain Angles"

A newly created large sculpture commemorating American civil rights activist Reverend Martin Luther King has become embroiled in controversy over its alleged sexual suggestiveness.

On the 17th (local time), according to American media outlets such as CNN and The Washington Post (WP), mocking posts suggesting the sculpture resembles a lewd act have been circulating on social networking services (SNS) regarding the recently unveiled sculpture of Reverend Martin Luther King in Boston, USA.

The bronze sculpture "Embrace" installed in Boston Common, USA, to commemorate Martin Luther King.
Photo by EPA·Yonhap News

The 6.71-meter-tall bronze sculpture titled "Embrace" is reported to have cost over 10 million dollars (approximately 12.4 billion KRW). The piece was created by artist Hank Willis Thomas and was inspired by the moment Reverend King embraced his wife, Coretta King, immediately after being notified of his selection as the Nobel Peace Prize laureate in 1964.

The sculpture depicts only the hands and arms of the King couple, excluding the torso and head. Some netizens have questioned the absence of Reverend King's face.

In particular, several mocking posts have claimed that when viewed from certain angles, the sculpture resembles a lewd act. Some argue that from some perspectives, it looks like someone is embracing a male body part.

Reverend King's family members have shown mixed reactions. Seneca Scott, Coretta King's niece, told an online media outlet, "This sculpture is an insult to our family," adding, "It is a waste of 10 million dollars to create a bronze masturbation statue."

On the other hand, Martin Luther King III, Reverend King's eldest son, said, "The artist created an excellent work," and added, "Although it does not depict my parents, it is a piece that can unite many people."

Thomas explained that the sculpture is not simply meant to represent the King couple but is a work symbolizing the "power of love." He also emphasized that public sculptures, such as those at the Vietnam War Memorial, have always faced criticism and that he has no intention of modifying the work.