Yoo Hong-jun, director of the National Museum of Korea, bowed his head in apology during a National Assembly hearing on October 19 regarding the controversy over the incorrect exhibition of his personal collection, which was mistakenly attributed to an independence activist. Yoo stated, "Due to insufficient verification, the handwriting of a pro-Japanese figure was incorrectly displayed as that of a patriotic martyr, causing great concern to the public and history."
During the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee audit, Yoo expressed, "The deep trust the public has placed in us and the values built by museum staff have been shattered in an instant due to my significant oversight," adding, "The academic intent or explanation cannot serve as an excuse in light of the disappointment felt by the public."
He further acknowledged, "The verification error has inflicted deep wounds on the honor of the independence movement and the families of the martyrs," and extended his apologies to both the patriots and their families. He also expressed regret to museum staff for the national criticism stemming from the controversy over his personal collection.
Yoo specifically admitted to failing to disclose that the disputed artwork was part of his personal collection during the museum's removal of the exhibit and the announcement of the verification results. He said, "While I publicly apologized during the withdrawal of the exhibit and the announcement of the verification results, I failed to clearly state that it was my personal collection. Not being able to openly acknowledge my mistake as an art historian is a significant error on my part."
Earlier, the National Museum of Korea had introduced the calligraphy piece 'Ilban Siguk-eun' (일반시국은, 'A Bowl of Rice is the Nation's Grace') as the work of independence activist Park Won-geun during its special exhibition 'Our Dining Table,' which opened in July. However, suspicions arose that it was actually the work of pro-Japanese collaborator Park Jung-yang. Following verification by an advisory committee, the museum confirmed it was indeed Park Jung-yang's handwriting and removed the exhibit.
As it was revealed that the artwork was part of Yoo's personal collection and had been recommended by him for the exhibition, the controversy intensified. Yoo reiterated that he did not seek personal gain. He stated, "I hesitated to publicly acknowledge my significant mistake as an art historian," calling it a major blunder. When questioned by lawmakers about whether he had any financial motives, he denied such intentions.
Yoo explained, "I believed the piece was essential for the exhibition, which is why I willingly included it. I had plans to donate it to another institution after the exhibition concluded. My intentions were pure." He noted that the exhibition planning had been underway for two years prior to his appointment as director, and he had already envisioned using the phrase 'Ilban Siguk-eun' in the exhibition, leading to the inclusion of the piece from his collection.
Yoo also mentioned that he intended to donate not only this artwork but also another piece from his personal collection featured in the 'Our Dining Table' exhibition to the Buyeo Cultural Center and the National Jeonju Museum, respectively. He clarified, "When signing the exhibition consent form, I wrote my name along with the character 'Dae' (代), indicating that I was representing the institutions to which I planned to donate the pieces."
Questions regarding the acquisition of the artwork also arose. Yoo revealed that he won the calligraphy piece at an auction for 50,000 won. He explained, "I believed it was valuable because it was attributed to the patriotic figure Park Won-geun."
In response to reports that the piece was listed as the work of pro-Japanese collaborator Park Jung-yang during the auction, Yoo refuted this as misinformation. He clarified that the piece was listed as the work of 'Park Deok-won' at the time of the auction, which he corrected to 'Park Won-geun' and subsequently judged it to be the work of the independence activist.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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