Civic Group Protests Berlin's Removal Order for Statue of Peace: "4.9 Million Won Fine for Noncompliance"

Temporary Art Installation Period Exceeded Two Years
Korean Civic Group Vows to Pursue Legal Action

Authorities in Berlin, Germany have once again ordered the removal of the "Statue of Peace," which is at the center of a legal dispute with a Korean civic group, by October 7, sparking controversy. On the 17th, Yonhap News reported that the Berlin-Mitte District Office recently ordered the Korea Verband, a civic group, to remove the Statue of Peace by October 7. The district office also stated that if the statue is not removed by the specified date, a fine of 3,000 euros (approximately 4.9 million won) will be imposed.

Statue of Peace in Berlin. Photo by Yonhap News

The Korea Verband has maintained the statue on public land in Berlin’s Mitte district since September 2020. In September last year, the Mitte District Office ordered the statue’s removal by the end of October, claiming the permitted installation period for the artwork had expired. However, the Korea Verband filed for an injunction to suspend the order, and the court ruled that the statue could remain in place until the 28th of this month. During the trial, the Mitte District Office argued that the installation of the statue affected the interests of Japanese foreign policy. However, the court stated, "This was already anticipated when the statue was first approved," and determined, "Unless there is a specific impact, the interests of foreign policy cannot be considered more important than artistic freedom."

The Mitte District Office and the Korea Verband have discussed relocating the statue but have not reached an agreement. In July, the Mitte District Office issued a press release stating that the Tiergarten Tenants’ Cooperative (MUT, hereafter referred to as the cooperative) had agreed to provide land for the statue, requesting its relocation. However, the Korea Verband explained that the cooperative’s proposal was only a temporary measure in solidarity, and that the cooperative also does not wish to relocate the statue. The Korea Verband insists that moving the statue to private land would restrict rallies and demonstrations and diminish its political and artistic impact, and is calling for the statue to remain in place. A representative of the Korea Verband stated, "Civil society has also expressed the view that the statue should remain permanently in a public space," and announced plans to file another injunction against the latest removal order. Separately from the injunction, a main lawsuit seeking to revoke the removal order is still ongoing.

The Statue of Peace was installed to honor the victims of the Japanese military sexual slavery and to reflect on and repent the history of war that must never be repeated. Asia Economy DB

Meanwhile, the Statue of Peace was installed to honor the victims of the Japanese military sexual slavery and to reflect on and repent the history of war that must never be repeated. The installation process has faced opposition and lobbying from the Japanese government, related companies, and local Japanese communities, but continues to gain support worldwide. There are currently more than 150 Statues of Peace installed in South Korea, and around 17 more in countries including the United States, China, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Canada, Australia, Germany, and Nepal.