A parody of Vincent van Gogh’s masterpiece by popular South Korean webtoonist and TV personality Kian84 has ignited a online debate after surfacing on a secondhand marketplace with a staggering price tag of 150 million won ($103,500). The artwork, titled “Starry Cheongdam” (2022), was recently listed on Danggeun Market (Karrot), a leading local resale platform. The seller cited a planned relocation as the reason for the sale, emphasizing the piece’s unique oil-paint texture compared to the artist’s other works.
A Critique of Real Estate and Desire
“Starry Cheongdam” reimagines van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” (1889) through the lens of modern Korean society. The painting focuses on Cheongdam-dong, an affluent neighborhood in southern Seoul synonymous with extreme wealth and sky-high real estate prices. Kian84 has previously stated that the piece explores the concept of human desire, noting that modern citizens view luxury apartment buildings along the Han River as “treasures.” This work served as the foundation for his “Starry” series, which includes interpretations of other high-end districts like Apgujeong, Seongsu, and Jamsil.
Resale Controversy and Market Value
The listing has drawn scrutiny due to the significant markup from the artist’s original exhibition prices. During Kian84’s debut solo show in 2022, the total proceeds from all ticket and art sales amounted to 87 million won—all of which the artist donated to children’s welfare charities. Critics have labeled the 150 million won asking price as “excessive,” while others argue that the free market should dictate the value of contemporary art.
As of Thursday, the post has been removed from the platform. This incident follows a similar trend in 2024, where another of Kian84’s works, “Life Adjustment Time 4,” was listed for 30 million won before the seller eventually lowered the price. Kian84, known for his work on the hit variety show “I Live Alone” and his upcoming Netflix reality series, continues to see his profile rise in the fine art world, making his physical pieces highly sought-after assets for collectors.
