A 16-foot (5-meter) gold-colored sculpture in Long Beach Park, located in Songdo International City, South Korea, has sparked controversy after some residents claimed it resembles an offensive hand gesture. The sculpture, costing about 200 million won (approximately £110,103), was installed by the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority (IFEZ) to represent the international sign language for "I love you." This gesture involves folding the middle and ring fingers down while extending the thumb, index finger, and little finger. The IFEZ chose this location partly because the park is popular with couples, and they hoped the sculpture would become a landmark, especially with the Incheon Bridge in the background. However, local online communities have criticized the sculpture, calling it an eyesore and questioning the use of public funds for it. Some residents expressed concern that the sculpture resembles a hand gesture associated with far-right groups in South Korea. Others were confused about its relevance to Incheon or its message to tourists. In response, the authorities have covered the sculpture with fabric while they decide how to explain its meaning to the public. An IFEZ official said complaints about the sculpture appearing obscene are likely due to a lack of public understanding of its intended meaning. The local deaf community has urged the authorities not to remove the sculpture. Instead, they suggest increasing public awareness of its purpose and cultural significance. They propose adding signs around the sculpture that explain its meaning and showcasing examples of celebrities using the "I love you" sign in international sign language. Lee Joo Soon, head of the Incheon Association of the Deaf's Yeonsu-gu branch, emphasized the importance of exposing children to international sign language to raise awareness of disabilities and help Songdo become an inclusive city. This is not the first time public art in Songdo has drawn criticism. In 2021, two complaints were filed with South Korea’s Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, calling for the removal of 'Mudflat Urinator,' a fountain sculpture installed in 2011 at Songdo Central Park. The sculpture depicts three boys urinating toward a lake, inspired by the artist's childhood memories. While the artist intended to capture local culture, some residents found the depiction of exposed genitals inappropriate for a public space.