Dutch YouTuber Outraged by Seoul Graffiti Terrorism: Controversy Erupts

Dutch YouTuber Expresses Anger Over Seoul Graffiti Terrorism

A Dutch YouTuber, Bart van Grunten, known for his popular YouTube channel ‘IgoBart’ with 220,000 subscribers, has sparked controversy by expressing his anger over a vandalism incident during a Seoul exhibition. The incident involved graffiti on a map created by Bart van Grunten himself during his visit to Seoul.

The Vandalism Incident

On the 15th of this month, Bart van Grunten shared his heartfelt disappointment regarding an unfortunate act of vandalism committed by a Korean individual. The incident began when Bart van Grunten, while exploring Seoul, discovered that his personally crafted map had been defaced with graffiti. The graffiti contained phrases such as “오빠 사랑해♡” (I love you, oppa) and “OOO 최고야” (OOO is the best), which he considered disrespectful and damaging to his artwork.

Bart van Grunten’s Emotional Response

In a post, Bart van Grunten expressed his disbelief, stating, “I can’t believe that some crazy people can deface my map.” He shared images of the defaced map, emphasizing the emotional harm he experienced. “I poured my sweat, tears, and money into this map, and to see someone destroy it is shocking,” he added. Bart van Grunten is actively searching for CCTV footage to identify the perpetrator but expressed a sense of powerlessness.

Call for Accountability

In a passionate plea, Bart van Grunten urged the perpetrator to take responsibility, stating, “If you are reading this message, surrender yourself. You are not a true fan.” His project, titled ‘Welcome to My Dong,’ was intended to share his love for Seoul and its culture. The unexpected incident has left him deeply disappointed.

Exhibition Closure and Public Response

The vandalism incident led to the abrupt closure of the exhibition, which was originally scheduled to run until the 23rd of this month. Bart van Grunten announced the early closure, saying, “I cannot guarantee the safety of the map without being present. Today, I will be at the gallery.” Online commenters expressed criticism and disappointment, highlighting their discontent and frustration. Some even called for the disclosure of the vandal’s identity to hold them accountable.

Continued Dedication to Korean Culture

Despite the setback, Bart van Grunten remains dedicated to his project and the exploration of Korean culture. As part of his ‘Welcome to My Dong’ project, he has visited 91 locations, aiming to provide a unique perspective on Korean history and culture. His commitment to documenting his experiences is a testament to his passion for Korea and its rich heritage.

Implications for Artistic Expression and Cultural Appreciation

The vandalism incident has sparked discussions about the importance of respecting artistic expression and the appreciation of different cultures. Bart van Grunten’s emotional response highlights the significance of his artwork and the potential impact such acts of vandalism can have on artists and creators. Despite the challenges, Bart van Grunten’s love for Korea remains unwavering, and he hopes to inspire others to appreciate the beauty of Korea through his lens.