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National Museum of Korea director resignation and audit

Overview

Yu Hong-jun, the director of the National Museum of Korea, resigned following a controversy involving a piece of calligraphy displayed in the museum’s special exhibition, ‘Our Table’.

The item, titled ‘Ilban Siguk-eun’, was initially identified as the work of independence activist Park Won-geun. However, investigations revealed the calligraphy was actually written by Park Jung-yang, a figure known for pro-Japanese activities. Further scrutiny disclosed that the piece was part of Yu’s personal collection, which he had purchased at an online auction in 2019 for 50,000 won. Yu faced criticism for failing to disclose his ownership and for recommending the piece for the exhibition without proper verification.

In his resignation, Yu apologized to the public, museum staff, and the families of independence activists, stating that his “personal mistakes had damaged the museum’s reputation and trust” and that stepping down was necessary to restore the institution’s honor.

Following the resignation, South Korean Culture Minister Choi Hwi-young announced a comprehensive audit of the National Museum of Korea. The investigation aims to examine the alleged misuse of authority and the museum’s processes for managing and verifying exhibition items. Minister Choi stated that the incident damaged the institution’s honor and public trust, emphasizing that the ministry intends to conduct a thorough investigation to restore credibility.

Entities

National Museum of Korea · Yu Hong-jun · Park Jung-yang · Park Won-geun · Choi Hwi-young

Timeline

  1. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    South Korean Culture Minister announces audit of National Museum of Korea

    South Korean Culture Minister Choi Hwi-young announced a full audit of the National Museum of Korea following the resignation of director Yu Hong-jun over a controversial exhibition involving a pro-Japanese era

  2. [CULTURE] 7 sources
    National Museum of Korea Director Yu Hong-jun resigns

    National Museum of Korea Director Yu Hong-jun has resigned after a personal calligraphy collection was misidentified as the work of an independence activist instead of a pro-Japanese collaborator.

  3. [CULTURE] 9 sources
    Yu Hong-jun resigns as National Museum of Korea director

    National Museum of Korea director Yu Hong-jun has resigned after his personal calligraphy piece was misidentified as an independence activist's work instead of a pro-Japanese figure's.

Sources

biz.heraldcorp.com · english.hani.co.kr · hani.co.kr · imaeil.com · jnilbo.com · kgnews.co.kr · kyeonggi.com · mbn.co.kr · seoul.co.kr · sportschosun.com · womennews.co.kr · zdnet.co.kr

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history