Robert Indiana’s ‘LOVE’ sculpture vandalized in Myeongdong

[Photo provided by Daeshin Securities]

Police launched an investigation into the vandalism of Robert Indiana’s signature work “LOVE” in Myeongdong, Seoul. According to Daeshin Securities on Friday, graffiti was spray-painted with lacquer on LOVE, a representative sculpture series by Robert Indiana (1928-2018), which was installed in front of the headquarters of Daeshin Financial Group in Seoul.

CCTV cameras installed near the artwork captured a man, believed to be a foreigner, using black spray paint to graffiti the work at 2 a.m. Sunday. The word ZOMBRA written on the artwork has been spotted several times recently in Euljiro and Myeongdong neighborhoods. Daeshin Securities found the graffiti and filed a report with the Namdaemun Police Station in Seoul. The police have reportedly identified the suspect and are in the process of identifying him.

The sculpture was installed by the group when it moved its headquarters from Yeouido to Euljiro in 2016 and is the group‘s private property. At the time, Daeshin contacted the Robert Indiana Foundation to purchase the work, marking the first time LOVE was permanently installed in a public space in Seoul. The group believes that restoring the artwork will take time and money, as it will have to be sent to the Robert Indiana Foundation.

“All acts of vandalism committed against private property are illegal and punishable by imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to 5 million won,” said a representative from Daeshin Securities. “The graffiti is difficult to see as a mistake and will be investigated and handled according to the law.”