The National Museum of Korea is facing controversy after exhibiting a piece of calligraphy claimed to be written by a patriot, as it has been raised that the work may actually belong to a pro-Japanese collaborator with the same name.

Let us take a closer look at what happened.

The artifact in question is a piece of calligraphy titled "Ilsijigun," which was featured in a special exhibition that opened in June.

Calligraphy left behind by someone before death is referred to as "yumuk."

The museum introduced it as a work by Park Won-geun, a patriot from Boeun, North Chungcheong Province, and a photo of his family members belatedly discovering this and kneeling in the exhibition hall, sobbing, drew significant public attention.

However, it was reported that a tip was recently received stating that the name Park Won-geun is actually an alias used by Park Jung-yang, who has been condemned as a pro-Japanese anti-nationalist collaborator.

The museum has removed the artifact in question and is currently conducting verification through experts.

National Museum of Korea Director Yoo Hong-jun issued an apology, admitting that the verification process for the exhibited items was inadequate.

(Photo courtesy of National Museum of Korea)