Sejong City Reconsiders Sculpture Removal
Public Opinion Shifts After K-Pop Demon Hunters' Global Success
The global success of the Netflix animated film "K-Pop Demon Hunters" has brought about an unexpected twist. The metal sculpture "Joyful Our Melody," which was dismantled 11 years ago in Sejong City for "resembling a grim reaper," is now regaining attention thanks to the popularity of K-Pop Demon Hunters.
"Joyful Our Melody" is a sculpture that was erected in front of the National Tax Service building in Sejong City in 2014. The work depicts a man in a hanbok and traditional hat, arms spread as if soaring, expressing the dance moves of "Hallyangmu." Through a public contest, a total of 1.1 billion won was spent to install six sculptures, and this was one of them. However, at the time, complaints from citizens and public officials poured in, saying, "It looks like a grim reaper," and "It's creepy at night." As a result, the sculpture was dismantled in 2019, just five years after installation, and is currently stored in the underground parking lot of the Government Complex Sejong.
However, as the boy group "Saja Boys" from K-Pop Demon Hunters gained worldwide popularity, the atmosphere changed. Online users pointed out the resemblance between the sculpture and Saja Boys, commenting, "It has finally met its time," "The real Saja Boys were in Sejong City," and "It's time to bring out the grim reaper sealed in Sejong's basement," with calls for reinstalling the sculpture growing rapidly.
Sejong City Considers Reinstallation Amid Citizens' Reassessment
In fact, the Government Complex Sejong Management Headquarters is reportedly reviewing the possibility of reinstallation. An official from the management headquarters said, "We are carefully reviewing the matter as complaints have been received through the National Petition Portal and other channels," adding, "However, since this involves relocating a sculpture that was already dismantled once, we need to further monitor public opinion." If reinstallation is decided, the location will be determined through a review process in accordance with the Culture and Arts Promotion Act.
The driving force behind this discussion is the explosive success of K-Pop Demon Hunters. As of September 3, the film has recorded a cumulative 266 million views in just 76 days since its release, making it the most-watched title on Netflix across both movies and shows (including dramas and variety programs). This surpasses "Squid Game Season 1" (265.2 million views) and "Wednesday Season 1" (252.1 million views). With two more weeks of data to be added, it is expected to further solidify its position as the all-time number one.
Additionally, the recent buzz surrounding the statue of Father Kim Dae-geon at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican-where overseas online communities have commented that it reminds them of the Saja Boys from K-Pop Demon Hunters-has further fueled the rediscovery of the grim reaper sculpture.
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