Enlarge Image
A new large sculpture made in memory of the American human rights leader, Reverend Martin Luther King, was embroiled in obscenity controversy.
American media such as CNN and The Washington Post (WP) reported on the 17th (local time) that even some of King's bereaved families had expressed critical opinions about the recently unveiled Martin Luther King's sculpture in Boston, USA.
The 6.71m tall bronze sculpture 'Embrace', which is known to have cost more than 10 million dollars (approximately 12.4 billion won), was opened to the public on the 10th.
Author Hank Willis Thomas explains that this work was inspired by the scene where Dr. King hugged his wife, Coretta King, right after being informed that he had been selected as the Nobel Peace Prize winner in 1964.
The part that caused the problem is that Thomas only depicted the hands and arms of the King and his wife at the time, excluding the torso and head.
Some citizens questioned why King's face was not featured.
Afterwards, mocking articles that said that the sculpture reminded of lewd behavior when viewed from a certain angle began to spread on social media (SNS).
In particular, Coretta King's niece, Seneca Scott, publicly complained in an online magazine that "this sculpture is an insult to our family."
Scott pointed out, "I wasted $10 million on a bronze self-defense statue."
In response to such criticism, Thomas, the writer, actively explained his position.
Thomas said that the sculpture is not simply a representation of the King couple, but a work to symbolize the 'power of love'.
In addition, he said that he had no intention of revising the work, saying that various public sculptures such as the Vietnam War Memorial Park were always followed by criticism.
Martin Luther King's eldest son also sided with the author.
Martin Luther King III said, "The author has created an outstanding work."
(Photo = AP, Yonhap News)