Controversy erupted during the parliamentary audit after it was revealed that the owner of an artifact—initially introduced as calligraphy by independence activist Park Won-geun, but later found to be the work of a pro-Japanese collaborator—was actually Yoo Hong-jun, Director of the National Museum of Korea.

Following the controversy, Director Yoo offered to resign today (21st).

According to SBS reporting, it was confirmed that Director Yoo concealed the fact that the artifact was his own personal collection even during a private meeting with the bereaved family of activist Park last month.

Previously, in July, the museum exhibited the piece titled "The General Situation" and introduced it as brush calligraphy by independence activist Park Won-geun.

The story gained attention after it was revealed that upon hearing the news, the bereaved family visited the museum in tears, saying, "We have encountered the only remaining trace of our ancestor who left behind no possessions." However, the artifact was quietly removed shortly afterward.

A re-appraisal process was initiated after suspicions were raised that the calligraphy could be the work of pro-Japanese collaborator Park Jung-yang.

As a result of the verification, the museum concluded that the piece was brush calligraphy by a pro-Japanese collaborator and bowed its head in apology to the bereaved family.

Subsequently, on September 14, the bereaved family gathered in the director's office at the National Museum of Korea.

Director Yoo had invited the family, stating that he would apologize and comfort them in person.

However, attendees reported that Director Yoo made no mention whatsoever of the fact that he was the owner of the artifact.

They stated that Director Yoo listened to museum officials' explanations—to the effect that "the problem began because the owner of the work claimed it belonged to an independence activist"—as if it were someone else's story.

The meeting reportedly concluded in a friendly atmosphere, with participants joining in criticism of the pro-Japanese figure in question. Consequently, the bereaved family was left outraged upon seeing Director Yoo bow his head at the National Assembly about a month later.

The bereaved family pointed out to SBS, "Even during the face-to-face apology, Director Yoo thoroughly concealed the fact that the calligraphy was his personal collection. When this fact was belatedly revealed through the media, he only conveyed his intention just yesterday, saying he wanted to 'apologize for not revealing that it was a private collection.'"

The family stated, "We firmly requested that he bring a clear explanation of the circumstances—specifically on what grounds he was so certain it was the work of independence activist Park Won-geun that he put it on exhibition, noting that this cannot end with a simple apology. However, we were suddenly notified of his intention to resign without any explanation."

The family raised their voices, saying, "You cannot imagine how overjoyed we were and how much we wept, thinking we had found our ancestor's noble trace. That desperate hope was torn to shreds when it was revealed to be the writing of a pro-Japanese collaborator. Leaving behind such deep wounds and stepping down from his position like a fugitive without even a common explanation of the circumstances is the height of irresponsibility and an act that tramples on the bereaved family a second time."

They emphasized, "Regardless of his resignation, Director Yoo must clearly reveal to the public and the bereaved family the truth about the process through which this fake artifact was disguised as a trace of an independence activist."

A culture and arts circle official expressed regret to SBS, saying, "There were several opportunities to make amends, but all of them were missed, and as the response system collapsed, we reached this point."

Director Yoo offered his resignation today, 15 months after taking office, stating, "I have reached the conclusion that stepping down is the right thing to do in order to restore the tarnished reputation of the museum."