National Museum of Korea Director Offers to Resign Over 'Self-Submitted Collection' Controversy

National Museum of Korea Director Yoo Hong-jun announced his resignation, taking responsibility for the recent controversy surrounding the exhibition and verification of his personal collection.

In a statement sent to the press corps today (the 21st), Director Yoo expressed his intention to resign, stating, "I have reached the conclusion that stepping down from the post of director is the right path to restore the tarnished reputation of the museum."

Director Yoo wrote, "The deep trust that the public has placed in the National Museum of Korea and the value built up by the museum staff have collapsed in an instant due to my personal mistake."

He repeatedly confirmed, "All criticism so far rests entirely on my responsibility."

Director Yoo offered another apology, saying, "I deeply apologize to the public who were disappointed and hurt by this incident, to the bereaved families of patriotic figures, and to the museum staff."

Director Yoo wrote, "Although it was a short period of 15 months, being able to do the honorable work of protecting the value of our cultural heritage was the greatest blessing and honor of my life."

Regarding the "Our Dining Table" exhibition, which sparked the personal collection controversy, he also stated, "I hope that the significance of the exhibition, which the museum's research staff prepared with sincere dedication over a long time, will not be overshadowed."

Director Yoo added, "I will not forget the hard work of the staff who have worked together day and night for the growth of the museum," and asked for continued attention so that the museum can make a further leap forward.

Director Yoo is an art historian well-known for his bestselling book "My Cultural Heritage Exploration," and served as the administrator of the Cultural Heritage Administration (now the Korea Heritage Service) from 2004 to 2008.

Having taken the helm as director of the National Museum of Korea in July of last year, he became embroiled in controversy after it was belatedly revealed that an artifact introduced as the calligraphy of a patriotic figure was actually written by a pro-Japanese collaborator and belonged to his own personal collection.

During the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee audit held on the 19th, Director Yoo bowed his head and apologized, acknowledging a "grave blunder," but did not give a clear answer regarding lawmakers' calls for his resignation.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.