Crowdfunding has begun to preserve the terracotta mural of O Yoon (1946–1986), a pioneer of Korean folk art. O Yoon inspired the tiger character 'Duffy' in the globally popular Netflix animation 'K-Pop Demon Hunters,' and his work can be saved for just 10,000 won.
The O Yoon Guui-dong Terracotta Preservation Committee and the Korean Association of Ethnic Artists announced on July 11 that they will conduct crowdfunding and fundraising events to protect the mural, which is at risk of destruction. The initiative will be managed by the Korean Smart Cooperative, an artists' cooperative.
The mural was created in 1973 when O Yoon, then 27, along with colleagues Oh Kyung-hwan and Yoon Kwang-joo, molded and fired terracotta tiles on the interior walls of an old commercial bank branch in Guui-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. It was later obscured by a bank partition and was thought to have been lost to memory until it was rediscovered during the building's sale this year.
After confirming the mural's existence, the new owner contacted the artist's family and inquired with the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art about safely removing the work. The family agreed to the public transfer of the mural, paving the way for its preservation.
The challenge now is the lack of funds to safely dismantle and transfer the mural to the public. To address this, the committee is conducting crowdfunding through the online platform 'Seedpay,' operated by the Korean Smart Cooperative, until July 31. The goal is to raise 100 million won, with contributions starting at 10,000 won.
O Yoon believed that 'art should be shared by many,' and as a result, supporters will receive rewards such as art cards featuring O Yoon's prints, limited edition art prints of 'Kalnora,' discounts on posthumous print purchases, and collections from the 'Park Flower Sister' and 'Echo Boy' series. Donors will also be invited to a special event.
Additionally, a fundraising exhibition will be held from July 26 to August 9 at the Kwanhun Art Museum in Jongno-gu, Seoul. This exhibition will feature works from O Yoon's colleagues and junior artists, with all proceeds, minus expenses, going toward the mural's transfer costs. Notably, prints taken by O Yoon during his lifetime, including 'Kalnora,' 'Chunmuin Chumu,' 'Muhodo,' and 'Figures,' will be showcased.
Currently, over 10,000 citizens have participated in a signature campaign urging for the preservation of the mural.
O Yoon's son, Oh Sang-yeop, who is also a member of the preservation committee, expressed, 'It is overwhelming for our family that my father's work is coming back to the world and that more than 10,000 citizens have signed their names to protect it. I believe this mural now belongs not just to the family but to all citizens.'
Details regarding the crowdfunding and sales exhibition can be found on the Seedpay website.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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