Man charged with stealing and selling painting by Kim Whan-ki

By Bahk Eun-ji

A man has been arrested and indicted for stealing a painting by the late Korean abstract master Kim Whan-ki from his former university professor and selling it for 4 billion won ($3.35 million).

Korean abstract master Kim Whan-ki /Korea Times file

According to Seoul Dongbu Police Station, Wednesday, the man in his 60s, surnamed Kim, allegedly sold the painting “10-Ⅴ-73 #314 (echo among the hills),” owned by the professor, to an art dealer after the professor died, without the knowledge of the bereaved family.

Kim sold the painting for 4 billion won, and spent 3 billion won of it to purchase an apartment and pay off his debts, police said.

After the professor's death, the family discovered the painting, which he had kept for over 40 years, was missing. The family made it known that they were interested in buying the painting, and when a dealer contacted them, they confirmed the painting was the stolen one and contacted police.

Kim insisted the professor gave him the painting. But officers confirmed, through the deceased professor's friends, that he had only asked Kim to sell the painting for him before he died. The professor had bought the painting directly from Kim Whan-ki, according to the family.

Kim Whan-ki is one of the most famous Korean artists, with another of his major works “05-IV-71 #200” recently selling for 13.2 billion won at a Christie's auction in Hong Kong, Nov. 23.