The National Museum of Korea has withdrawn an exhibit that was believed to be the work of independence activist Park Won-geun (1912–1950) after concerns were raised that it may actually belong to pro-Japanese collaborator Park Jung-yang (1874–1959). The museum issued an apology on August 12.
In a statement on its official website, museum director Yoo Hong-jun expressed regret, saying, "We apologize to the public for the insufficient verification of the exhibit from the 'Our Dining Table' display."
The disputed artifact is a piece of calligraphy titled 'Ilban Siguk-eun' (一飯是國恩), which translates to 'Even a bowl of rice is a nation's grace.' The museum had presented it as the work of Park Won-geun, a patriot from Boeun, North Chungcheong Province. Family members of Park visited the exhibit and were seen kneeling in front of the artifact, visibly emotional.
However, recent reports suggested that the name 'Park Won-geun' inscribed on the calligraphy could also refer to Park Jung-yang, who held various positions during the Japanese colonial period, including a member of the Chosun Assembly and governor of North Chungcheong and Hwanghae provinces. He was also involved in suppressing the March 1st Movement.
The museum reportedly acquired the artifact in 2019 from an art auction where it was presented as a work by Park Won-geun. Following the tip received on August 10, the museum promptly removed the item and initiated expert verification.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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