'Dongtan Missy Look' Figure Controversy: Sexual Objectification of Women vs. Freedom of Expression

A controversy has arisen surrounding the 'Dongtan Missy Look' figure, which is sold online for around 90,000 won, accusing it of sexually objectifying women.

According to the online shopping mall industry on the 6th, this figure, which has been on sale since January, is based on the online meme known as 'Dongtan Missy Look.'

Originally, 'Dongtan Missy Look' referred to the fashion of young and stylish women living in the new city, but it has gradually evolved into a term depicting the provocative outfits of female celebrities.

This product, sold under names such as 'Dongtan Figure,' 'Missy Girl,' and 'Missy Look,' depicts a woman wearing a dress that reveals part of her chest and explicitly shows her body silhouette.

According to Yonhap News, many internet users have filed complaints with the Hwaseong City and local police requesting the suspension of figure sales.

Legal Limitations and Ongoing Sales

Citizens are concerned that the figure goes beyond freedom of expression and commodifies women sexually, potentially implanting a negative image of the Dongtan area.

According to Yonhap News, Hwaseong City received over 100 related complaints and initiated a legal review, concluding that it is difficult to legally restrain the sales as defamation or insult laws may not apply.

Hwaseong City stated, "According to Supreme Court precedents, the insult crime is established by expressing contempt that can lower the social evaluation of a specific person or a legally recognized entity, therefore the victim must be specified."

They added, "It is difficult for insult crimes to be established, and regarding sexual harassment, it is also challenging to apply as no specific victim has been identified."

As the controversy intensified, some shopping malls deleted the word 'Dongtan' from the product name. However, many online shopping malls continue to sell it under the name 'Dongtan Figure' even now.

Image Source: Captured from the figure selling shopping mall.