A woman clearly resembling Saenuri Party presidential candidate Park Geun-hye lies on an operating table, smiling, as a doctor holds up a newborn baby wearing sunglasses, a staple accessory of Park’s late father, President Park Chung-hee.

The picture, drawn by painter Hong Sung-dam on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Yushin Constitution of the dictatorial rule of the senior Park, is drawing a massive backlash from the ruling party, which vows to take legal measures.

The oil painting titled “Golden Time ― Dr. Choi In-hyeok (from a popular medical television drama) pays military salute to the newborn Mr. President,” is exhibited at the Peace Museum, according to its website.

The painting makes sure to indicate it is Park ― her signature notepad is laid on the floor ― that has delivered the baby as other doctors look on, some paying salute, one making a peace-sign.

Mixed reactions were seen over the painting with some suggesting it is an artistic piece satirizing the iron-fisted rule, while others lambasted it for stepping out of line.

“This reminds us of Goebbels, the demagogic politician of the Nazis,” said Kwon Young-se, Park’s chief of the situation room, at the election committee meeting.

“The Central Election Committee of the Saenuri Party will take stern measures through all possible legal measures on behalf of Park, women and of the people,” he added.

Saenuri Party spokesman Ahn Hyeong-hwan also said, “It is unfathomable what the painting is intending right before the presidential election by going as far as demeaning the noblest moment of childbirth to humiliate Park.”

Hong had reportedly said he will counter any lawsuit with a petition to the Constitution for his right to free expression.

By Lee Joo-hee (jhl@heraldcorp.com)