Foreign Man Sparks Outrage After Kissing Statue Honoring Jeju's Female Divers

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A foreign man has sparked widespread outrage in South Korea after a video of him hugging and kissing a statue of Jeju's haenyeo, or female divers, went viral. The incident took place near Hamdeok Beach in Jocheon-eup, Jeju City, on July 5, 2026, at around 10 am local time.

The video, which has been viewed millions of times on social media, shows the man climbing onto the statue while making lewd gestures towards it. His companions can be heard laughing in the background as he hugs and kisses the statue.

According to JTBC, the man has reportedly lived on Jeju for about a year. He has not been named publicly, but the person who filmed and uploaded the video is a Korean resident of the island.

The haenyeo, or female divers, are an important part of Jeju's cultural heritage. They have been diving for seafood and other marine products since the 17th century. The statue of the haenyeo was erected to honor their bravery and dedication to their craft.

The incident has raised concerns about disrespect towards the country's cultural heritage. Many Koreans have taken to social media to express their outrage and disappointment.

The man has reportedly been asked to leave the island, and an investigation has been launched into the incident. The police have not made any further statements regarding the man's identity or the charges he may face.

The haenyeo statue is a popular tourist attraction on Jeju Island. Visitors can view it up close and learn about the history and culture of the haenyeo.

Jeju Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The island has a population of around 1.5 million people.

The haenyeo statue is one of the many cultural attractions on the island. It is a symbol of the island's rich history and cultural heritage.

The Jeju haenyeo were known for their bravery and their ability to dive to great depths in search of seafood. They were also known for their skill and their knowledge of the ocean.

The haenyeo statue was erected to honor the women who dedicated their lives to diving and collecting seafood. It is a testament to their bravery and their hard work.