A controversial sculpture in South Korea's Sejong city that was removed for resembling a grim reaper may soon be reinstalled, thanks to the global popularity of Netflix's hit series "K-Pop Demon Hunters." The streaming show has popularized Korean grim reaper aesthetics through its fictional demon boy band called the Saja Boys, leading to renewed calls for the artwork's restoration.
The sculpture, titled "Joyful Korean Melody," was originally installed in December 2013 in front of the National Tax Service building at the government complex in Sejong, a central South Korean city. The artwork depicts a man dressed in traditional Korean clothing, including the iconic "gat" hat, performing the "hallyangmu," a traditional dance with his arms outstretched as if preparing to take flight. The piece was one of six artworks commissioned through a public contest with a total budget of 1.1 billion won (approximately $1 million), with this particular sculpture valued at around 105 million won.
According to its official description, the sculpture was designed to capture a graceful moment from the traditional dance, emphasizing dignity and cultural heritage. However, despite the artist's intentions, the work faced immediate criticism from both residents and public officials who complained that it looked frightening and eerily similar to a grim reaper. The dancer's smiling face combined with the traditional attire created an unsettling appearance that many found disturbing, particularly during nighttime or in bad weather conditions.
The lighting and cold metal material used in the sculpture's construction made the artwork appear even more ominous after dark, intensifying public complaints about its scary appearance. Following repeated protests and negative feedback from the community, city officials decided to relocate the sculpture approximately 100 meters from its original position. However, this compromise solution failed to satisfy critics, and the controversial artwork was ultimately dismantled and removed entirely in 2016.
The dramatic shift in public perception began with the massive success of Netflix's "K-Pop Demon Hunters," which features the Saja Boys, a fictional demon boy band that has captivated global audiences. The show's portrayal of Korean grim reaper aesthetics has transformed what was once considered frightening into something trendy and culturally significant. As the series gained international recognition, South Korean viewers began to see their traditional death deity imagery in a new, more positive light.
In recent weeks, social media campaigns and public petitions calling for the sculpture's reinstatement have gained significant momentum. Citizens who once opposed the artwork are now arguing that it represents an important piece of Korean cultural heritage that was prematurely removed. The Netflix series has helped people understand that the grim reaper figure, or "saja" in Korean culture, is not necessarily something to fear but rather an integral part of the country's mythological and artistic traditions.
Government officials have taken notice of this dramatic change in public opinion. Relevant ministries are currently engaged in discussions about whether to reinstall the sculpture, with preliminary talks suggesting a favorable outcome. If the decision is made to restore the artwork, its new location will be determined in accordance with the Culture and Arts Promotion Act, ensuring proper consultation with cultural experts and community stakeholders.
The sculpture's potential comeback reflects broader changes in how South Koreans view their traditional culture, particularly elements that were previously considered taboo or frightening. The success of "K-Pop Demon Hunters" has demonstrated the power of popular media to reshape cultural perceptions and rehabilitate misunderstood artistic expressions. This case study highlights how contemporary entertainment can bridge the gap between traditional heritage and modern sensibilities, ultimately leading to greater cultural appreciation and acceptance.
