'Promoting Low Birth Rates' Complaint Leads to Decision to Remove Three Bear Sculpture at Seoul Botanical Garden

The three bear sculpture installed at the Seoul Botanical Garden is set to be removed due to a complaint stating it 'promotes low birth rates.'

On the 6th, the Seoul City government announced plans to dismantle the sculpture by May 2025, following a complaint filed by a citizen.

According to Seoul City, the complainant, Mr. A, stated, "The bear family sculpture located in the playground of the Forest Culture School within the Seoul Botanical Garden currently features three bears (father, mother, and baby)" and raised concerns regarding it.

Mr. A pointed out, "The current generation is facing a significant issue with low birth rates, which affects the nation and society, and it does not align with Seoul's policies for large families." He requested, "Please increase the bear family sculpture from three to five bears, including two additional siblings."

He further asserted, "This way, policies addressing national social issues would align, and children who see it will naturally come to view having siblings as the norm." He reasoned that addressing even these small matters could serve as a turning point for changing the deeply rooted awareness of low birth rates in the current generation.

Decision to Remove Instead of Adding Due to Safety Concerns

While the Seoul Botanical Garden expressed empathy towards the complainant's concerns, it decided to remove the sculpture instead of adding to it, citing facility deterioration and safety issues.

"The issue of population decline due to low birth rates is a critical challenge that affects society as a whole. In our botanical garden, we are making efforts such as offering entrance fee benefits to families with multiple children to address this issue," stated the Seoul Botanical Garden. "In this context, the bear sculpture should also be installed and maintained with its intended meaning."

However, the Seoul Botanical Garden explained the rationale behind the decision to remove the sculpture, saying, "(To add three baby bears as requested by Mr. A) the current synthetic grass covering is deteriorating, and since the sculpture is located in front of the playground, there are frequent concerns regarding safety as children often climb on it." Consequently, the sculpture is set to be removed by May 2025.

The Seoul Botanical Garden added, "We will collect diverse opinions in the future and aim to create sculptures that convey social messages, including addressing low birth rates, in a safer and more effective manner."

Image source: Seoul Botanical Garden, data photos for understanding the article / gettyimagesbank