National Museum Head Yoo Hong-jun Resigns Over Pro-Japanese Calligraphy Self-Exhibition Controversy

National Museum of Korea Director Yoo Hong-jun, who has been embroiled in a controversy surrounding the self-exhibition of an artifact, expressed his intent to resign today (October 21).

In an official statement, Director Yoo stated, "The deep trust that the public has sent to the National Museum of Korea and the value built up by our museum staff collapsed in an instant due to my personal mistake," adding, "All criticisms rest entirely on my shoulders as my responsibility."

Previously, the National Museum of Korea featured a piece of calligraphy during its special exhibition "Our Dining Table" introduced as the brushwork of independence activist Park Won-geun. However, following an SBS report revealing that it was actually written by pro-Japanese collaborator Park Jung-yang, the museum removed the exhibit.

Controversy regarding inadequate verification and conflicts of interest subsequently escalated after it was revealed that the artwork in question was part of Director Yoo's personal collection.

In his statement, Director Yoo said, "I offer my deepest apologies to the public who were disappointed and hurt, to the bereaved families of patriotic martyrs, and to the museum staff," and added, "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."

Reported by Kim Min-jeong | Video by Kim Na-on | Graphics by Lee Jung-joo | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.